Mathieu header helps Barca stay four ahead

Madrid, April 6

Barcelona’s outlay of 20 million euros on Jeremy Mathieu last July prompted plenty of criticism but the France centre back has been worth his weight in gold in the La Liga leaders’ last two outings.

After scoring the opener in Barca’s 2-1 win over second-placed Real Madrid two weeks ago, Mathieu netted the only goal in Sunday’s laboured 1-0 win at Celta Vigo that maintained the Catalan giants’ four-point advantage over Real at the top.

Mathieu, who was signed to strengthen a defence that repeatedly let the club down last season, also put in an accomplished performance alongside Gerard Pique at the back as Barca kept their 16th clean sheet in 29 La Liga games this term. “I scored two important goals, I am pleased,” Mathieu said.

“Sometimes you have to suffer when you win,” added the 31-year-old, who joined Barca after a five-year stint at Valencia. “It was a very tough match. After the international break it’s more difficult as your rhythm always drops a bit. Celta were the better team in the first half and in the second we benefited from a goal at a free kick. Sometimes you win in that way, when it’s down to small details.”

Barca needed a win after Real romped to a 9-1 victory at home to Granada earlier on Sunday. — Reuters