Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola heaped praise on his side after seeing them take control of the Primera Division title race with a deserved victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Barca moved three points clear of Madrid at the summit with seven games remaining after goals from Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez sealed a 2-0 win in the capital. Not only are they now three points ahead of Madrid but they also boast a better head-to-head record after winning 1-0 at the Nou Camp in November as well, and that would be decisive if the teams finish level.
Guardiola, who also become the first Barca coach to win four successive 'Clasicos', said: "We've come to the home of the leaders and won a very serious match. We are very happy."
He added: "There are 21 points left but we've taken an important step. I want to congratulate my players because to beat such an impressive team as Real Madrid is very difficult."
The result not only ended Madrid's 12-match winning streak in La Liga but also ruined their perfect home record, which had stood at 15 wins out of 15.
Messi, who took his tally to 40 goals for the season in all competitions with his first-half strike, echoed Guardiola's words, saying in AS: "It was a very important win, but now we need to continue.
"The league isn't won. There are still matches remaining and some difficult games, but we've taken an important step. We can continue making history."
With regards to his much-hyped duel with Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo - the two players are widely regarded as the best on the planet - Messi added: "It was not between him and me. It's not important who is best, the important thing is that Barca are better than Madrid.
"We are leaders again and we've gained an advantage for the rest of the season. It was a tight game, and we've taken the chances that we had."
Source: PA
