Barcelona boss Luis Enrique described the
fortune to have Lionel Messi on his side a 'privilege'
after the five-time World Player of the Year scored
his 300th La Liga goal.
Messi scored twice in a 3-1 win at Sporting Gijon on
Wednesday to take his tally to 301 league goals in
335 games as Barca extended their lead at the top
of the table to six points.
"To be able to count on Leo is always a privilege no
matter how the opponent plays," said Luis Enrique.
Barca are now heavy favourites to seal a fifth Liga
title in seven years with Atletico Madrid their closest
challengers and Real Madrid a further point adrift in
third.
"I am optimistic in any situation and this is a
favourable one," added Luis Enrique.
"But that doesn't mean anything because we all
know that when the final games of the season
approach, especially the last 10, the teams in trouble
begin to win games and it becomes very difficult to
take the points.
"We are where we want to be and we depend on
ourselves."
The only negative for the European champions was
another missed penalty, this time by Luis Suarez.
Messi had caused a worldwide sensation by passing
a spot-kick into Suarez's path to complete his hat-
trick in the 6-1 rout of Celta Vigo on Sunday.
However, between Messi, Suarez and Neymar, Barca
have now missed seven of their 15 directly taken
penalties this season.
It mattered little though, as Suarez made amends
with a terrific finish for his 40th goal of the season
23 minutes from time.
"We want to improve in that aspect, but those that
miss them are the ones that take the responsiblity to
hit them.
"We have confidence in Leo, Luis and Ney. They are
great penalty takers."
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