From Gerard Pique's errors to Lionel Messi's golazo in Barcelona win
Barça needed 59 minutes to tear down the wall of Eibar and it was Xavi who managed it after a magical assist from Lionel Messi, who didn't beat Telmo Zarra's record but did play a perfect match, including a golazo.
That is completely opposite to the performance of Gerard Pique, who committed two blunders in the first half which left Camp Nou trembling. It was only down to the visiting side's poor finishing that Barça weren't exposed.
The Blaugrana achieved a difficult victory, hard-fought, and fulfilled their objective of going to the Bernabeu next week with a four point advantage over Real Madrid.
Next Saturday's Clasico promises to be full of strong emotions.
Strong because we have a Madrid in form (five victories and 27 goals in their recent la Liga games) and a Barça that could, for the first time, call on their star forward line: Messi-Neymar-Luis Suarez.
Already there are very few people that doubt the Uruguayan will start the game.
Luis Enrique, who played with a second choice midfield (Mascherano, Xavi, Sergi Roberto), rested players with the next week in mind.
Barça must win against Ajax at Camp Nou on Tuesday. And, of course, they then must win at the Bernabeu next Saturday to increase their lead over Madrid and take charge of the title race.
