Barcelona boss Luis Enrique admitted his side couldn’t be in better form heading into the second-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Arsenal after sweeping aside Getafe 6-0 on Saturday.
The European champions already hold a 2-0 lead from the first-leg and look destined to make the quarterfinals for the ninth straight year as they haven’t been beaten in 37 games in all competitions stretching back to October.
“This is a unique team, different to the rest and which does things that make it seem like there is nothing the opponent can do,” said Enrique.
“It is a great pleasure to be in this position.”
Five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi produced another masterclass, despite missing a penalty for the third time this season, as he scored his 36th goal of the season and provided three assists.
Juan Rodriguez’s own goal opened the scoring before Barca missed from the spot for the ninth time in 20 penalties this season when Vicente Guaita parried Messi’s effort.
Messi quickly set about making amends as his teed up Munir El Haddadi and Neymar before smashing home a fourth before half-time.
And Neymar and Arda Turan rounded off a 12th consecutive La Liga win after the break.
“The ideas and the tempo with which we started made it very difficult for Getafe because we were so precise and quick when we moved the ball,” added Enrique.
“At half-time the game was already sewn up and that isn’t due to the fault of the opponents, but because at this part of the season we are in fantastic form and the whole team has a lot of confidence.”
Enrique even had the luxury of leaving out top goalscorer Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets ahead of Arsenal’s visit on Wednesday.
“They are all incredible. The forwards, the midfielders, the defenders, those that don’t play or have fewer minutes.
“It is a perfect situation to know that whoever you pick will compete in their own way, with their own characteristics, but all of them wanting to take part and make the most of their minutes on the field.
“The only problem we have is that there aren’t enough minutes for everyone.
“If you enjoy playing football and it is clear that this team enjoys it, then it is easier to not get tired of playing football and that is one of the keys of this team.”
Barca are on the brink of a sixth La Liga title in eight years as victory took them 11 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, albeit having played a game more.
And defender Gerard Pique put their sustained success down to the stability in the squad over the past number of years.
“Many players have spent many years here together and we understand each other very well,” said the Spanish international.
“We can play quickly and at times without even looking at one another.
“We can still improve and for the rest of the season we need to continue winning titles.”
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