Sunday 25 February 2018 08:02, UK
Ernesto Valverde was delighted with Barcelona's resolve as they fought back to beat Girona 6-1.
Cristian Portu put the visitors ahead after three minutes when he slid the ball beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen to give the visitors a dream start.
But the hosts were back on level terms just two minutes later through Luis Suarez and, after Lionel Messi had netted twice, the Uruguayan scored his second in the 44th minute to give the side a 4-1 half-time lead.
Philippe Coutinho scored on 66 minutes and Suarez completed his hat-trick 10 minutes later.
Speaking to fcbarcelona.com, Valverde said: "When you win in this fashion, it seems that everything is a bit more relaxed but I think in that sense it's good for us from the point of view that we have been able to rest a few players.
"We have been able to make a few changes during the game because we have got an important week coming up."
Barcelona take on Las Palmas before facing second-placed Atletico Madrid this week. Valverde believes the title race is entering a crucial moment with 13 games of the La Liga season left to play.
He added: "We enter into the decisive phase of the championship where the points count for a lot, and we want to keep our rivals at a distance."
Barcelona sit top of La Liga, 10 points ahead of Atletico in second and Real Madrid are in third with a 14-point deficit.
