Luis Enrique: Barcelona still control destiny after Valencia defeat
Monday 18 April 2016 09:56, UK
Luis Enrique insists Barcelona control their own destiny in La Liga despite their 2-1 home defeat to Valencia on Sunday.
Lionel Messi ended a five-game goal drought to bring up his 500th for club and country, but couldn't inspire a Barca fightback as their alarming collapse in recent weeks continued after a 39-game unbeaten run.
Having looked well set for a second consecutive treble just two weeks ago, Barca could now miss out on all three major trophies as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Atletico in midweek and have taken just one point from their last four La Liga games.
They remain top by virtue of their superior head-to-head record over Atletico, who are level on points with Barca, with Real Madrid a further point back.
And, in contrast to recent defeats, Enrique praised the performance of his side and believes they are capable of winning their last five games to retain the title.
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"Luck didn't shine on the team. I congratulate my players for how they faced the adversity during the game," said Enrique.
"We still depend on ourselves. Our margin for error has run out and we are aware of the challenge. Now we have a marvelous challenge, five games in which if we win them all we are champions."
Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves made three outstanding saves to deny Ivan Rakitic, Messi and Neymar, while Gerard Pique squandered a chance to grab a stoppage-time equaliser at the near post.
"It is evident that we are lacking luck, it won't surprise anyone that has watched the game," added Enrique.
"Feeling sorry for ourselves won't get us anywhere. The players have given a lesson in the second half of how to face a situation like this.
"Until the 93rd minute we were trying to equalise and that is something to highlight. It would be normal to be frustrated with the referee, the opposition, the bad luck.
"We can improve, we can be more precise in the final third, we can improve and we have to, that is the objective."
