Eibar 0-2 Barça: Anything but easy | FCBarcelona.com
It’s wins like this that win league titles. Eibar are one of the most in-form sides in La Liga right now and for long stretches of this game had Barça against the ropes. But football is about taking your chances, and that’s what the blaugrana did to continue their 100% record against Eibar and ensure that they will stay at least seven points clear at the top of the league table. This result extends Barça’s club record unbeaten start to a league campaign, now 24 games, and also matches the 31-match unbeaten streak under Pep Guardiola. More here.
Valverde after Barça beat Eibar: Everyone suffers at Ipurua | Sport
Valverde: “Our objective was to win after back-to-back draws. Eibar have a way of playing which demands you play in a certain way. Each time we got past that first line of pressure, we could have scored because they were taking lots of risks.”
“Everyone suffers at Ipurua, no one wins here easily. Even Atletico only won in the last minute. Tuesday’s game vs Chelsea is another story. We will try to produce a good performance. Today was a good test before Tuesday.” More here.
Suarez intensity boosts Barcelona as Valverde’s men edge past Eibar | ESPN
Sevilla and Real Betis were hammered at Eibar while Valencia were also beaten so this was no easy place to go and Barca will feel very satisfied at taking all three points, especially after the disappointing draws with Espanyol and Getafe in their last two outings.
There were a few mediocre displays across the pitch, from Gerard Pique, Paulinho and Andres Iniesta, while the fact Ernesto Valverde fielded a full-strength side means most players will only have three days of rest before Tuesday’s Champions League showdown at Chelsea. More here.
Busquets: “Eibar on Friday, would have been much better for us. I don’t know if the TV schedules would’ve allowed that. Eibar? They played the same way throughout the match, but Eibar didn’t have many chances. Orellana’s sending off definitely helped us.”
“Chelsea will be another difficult match, with a very different approach but we are very excited and want to get things right. Chelsea are a great team and we will suffer a lot.” More here.
Paulinho is the chosen one for Stamford Bridge | Marca
As Barcelona head to London to play Chelsea in the Champions League, Paulinho’s big moment has arrived, back in the town where he endured the toughest moments of his career. Against Eibar on Saturday, Ernesto Valverde chose an eleven that it seems will be the starters in London.
The Brazilian hasn’t been as good recently as in the first third of the season but he still offers something different to Barcelona, and more for these types of games. Playing a defensive role, powerful in the air and experienced, he is the ideal choice. More here.
