Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was full of praise for Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez after beating Real Madrid 2-1 in El Clasico, a match which saw the South American make the score sheet.
The Catalan giants welcomed Los Blancos to Camp Nou, but with Lionel Messi failing to shine, the league leaders appeared unable to break down their bitter rivals.
With the game locked at 1-1, the former Liverpool ace stepped up to the plate and rescued the home side, scoring past Iker Casillas in the 57th minute, a goal which proved to be the winner in El Clasico.
After his performance against Real Madrid, Enrique hailed the 27-year-old, claiming his display on Sunday showed he was worth every penny.
“Suarez played a game of a very high standard. He took that goal in a way very few others could have, but that is why we signed him and why we paid what we paid,” the Asturian boss stated in a press conference.
“We are very happy with his commitment and what he brings to the team.”
Suarez scores the winner in El Clasico
FT! Suarez wins it for Los Blaugranas! Download the LiveSoccerTV app: http://t.co/Atom7JtRrU pic.twitter.com/B4L8JLa99b
— LiveSoccerTV.com (@LiveSoccerTV) March 22, 2015
Suarez, however, wasn’t the only player to be applauded by Enrique. Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who thwarted many attempts by Real Madrid on goal, impressed the Blaugrana manager with his commanding performance in between the sticks.
“We have goalkeepers who make saves and shine often. Bravo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Jordi Masip are three goalkeepers of the highest quality.
“Tonight Bravo made some good saves, but then so did Casillas.”
The win now leaves the Catalan giants four points ahead of the 10-time Champions League winners. Despite this, Enrique insists the victory will not be decisive in the title race.
“It was a very intense match between two of the best teams in the world and it is a nice victory for us.
“It was good to beat our arch-rivals and now we can enjoy our work, but this result will not be decisive.
“There are very important league matches to play and anyone can lose points.”
