Luis Enrique: We performed at a very high level

Luis Enrique was thrilled with his team’s performance in the 4-1 win over rivals Espanyol at the Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona upped their game in the second half to claim a memorable win, and the manager was quick to highlight his players’ output, saying that the team played “at a very high level”.

“Espanyol set out their game as we expected, very compact at the back, something that always makes attacking more difficult.”

“In the first half, we tired them out and, in the second, our best players showed up to unbalance the match.”

Speaking of the opening goal which came via a more direct approach, Luis Enrique said “we more often play against teams who sit back in their own half. When they try to attack us, we look to take advantage of the spaces in behind with long passes. We have the ideal players to do it”.

Messi is something unique

“We cannot get accustomed to what Leo Messi does. It is something unique and, here at the Camp Nou, it happens every 15 days.”

The manager also confirmed that Messi, along with Luis Suárez, Neymar Jr and Piqué, will begin their Christmas vacations early as they will not be featuring against Hércules.