Xavi: Barça make statement that we are candidates to win LaLiga
The Barcelona boss was proud of his players after 1-0 win away at Atletico Madrid
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez was delighted with what he labeled a statement win away at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Ousmane Dembele gave Barça a first-half lead and they then produced a gutsy performance to keep out Atletico to win the game at the Metropolitano.
Barça are now three points clear of Real Madrid, who lost to Villarreal this weekend, and Xavi says they are candidates to win LaLiga.
"I liked the first half an hour," he said of the win. "The game was under control. The goal came from creating a numerical advantage through the middle.
"These are three golden points. We knew how to suffer (after). It's important to have kept a clean sheet. Without playing that well, we got the three points. It was a tough game but a big win.
"It's not just three points, it's a huge morale boost. I am proud of the team. We have made a statement that we are candidates to win the league."
Barça almost came unstuck at the end but defender Ronald Araujo produced a fine goal-line clearance to keep out Antoine Griezmann.
"Araujo is an extraordinary defender, just like Balde, Kounde, Christensen..." Xavi said. "He's a leader."
