Ernesto Valverde insists Barcelona must keep focused after opening up five-point lead in La Liga

Sport360 staff 07:20 07/01/2019
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  • Ernesto Valverde is not taking any comfort from Barcelona’s healthy lead in the La Liga title race after watching his side squeeze past Getafe 2-1.

    Lionel Messi notched his 16th league goal of the season and Luis Suarez his 12th as Barca went 2-0 up in the first half, while Jaime Mata pulled one back for Getafe before the break.

    The Catalans are now five points clear of Atletico Madrid, with Sevilla and Alaves another two and four points behind respectively.

    Real Madrid are down in fifth and 10 points off the pace after losing 2-0 at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

    However, Valverde told Marca: “We knew about the other results before kick-off and were under pressure to take advantage of the opportunity.

    “But I do not think too much about the other teams. We have a lot to do.

    “I don’t know if there were similar gaps between clubs at this point last year but I do know that we did not manage to win the league until almost the end of the season.”

    Referring to the second half, which saw seventh-placed Getafe fight back admirably to slash the deficit, Valverde said: “It was essential for us to stay focused and not let the game get away from us.

    “They are a tough team, with strong players when you go one-on-one, and the game was tight.

    “There were times after the break when they were the better side. Towards the end we managed to keep hold of the ball and that’s how we stayed out of trouble.

    “We expected a difficult game and they got back into the game with the goal, but we’re happy.”

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