La Liga: Mathieu proving doubters wrong with crucial goals

French defender scores only goal in Barca’s 1-0 win to keep four-point lead intact

Important goals: After scoring the opener in Barca's 2-1 win over Real Madrid two weeks ago, Mathieu netted the only goal in Sunday's 1-0 win at Celta Vigo. PHOTO: AFP

MADRID:
Barcelona's outlay of €20million 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 in the 'Clasico' 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 so I am pleased," said Mathieu. "Sometimes you have to suffer when you win. It was a very tough match. After the international break it's more difficult as your rhythm always drops a bit.”

Barca needed a win after Real romped to a 9-1 victory at home to Granada earlier on Sunday and are well placed to win a fifth La Liga title in seven years with nine games left.


Luis Enrique's men are also through to the last eight of the Champions League to face Paris St Germain and will play Athletic Bilbao in the King's Cup final at the end of May.

Victory in all three competitions would match the club's unprecedented treble in 2009 under Pep Guardiola.

"It could be that we are fresher because a lot of players [in the squad] are used here," said Mathieu. "That is very important for the final stages of the season. We are on the right track and now we have to think about the next match."

Barca have La Liga games at home to Almeria and away at Sevilla before they play at PSG in their quarter-final, first leg on April 15.

 
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