Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was pleased with his side's 2-1 win over fellow title chasers Atletico Madrid atVicente Calderon Stadium, and believes the hard-fought victory will be one to spur on the dressing room.
The Catalan giants were unconvincing during theirvictory that temporarily put them top of the league, but after Real Madrid's dramatic3-2 win over Villarreal justhours later, sees them sit second -just one point off top spot, but having played a game more.
Barca were reliant on record-breaking Lionel Messi to provide a late-winner for the second week in a row, which in doing so made the 29-year-old Argentine the first ever La Liga player to score 20 goals in nine consecutive seasons.
But the 46-year-old believes that the vital three points in the title chase will provide a huge boost mentally to his players.
"It's a victory that really raises our morale", the ex-Real Madrid and Barca midfielder told theclub website.
"It was a hard-earned win. In the first half, their pressure and the field conditions made it tough, but in the second half their pressure didn't have the same effect and our confidence grew, giving us more chances.�
I'm happy for the win and for the team because it strengthens the players' morale.�
The visitors took the lead through a scruffy Rafinha finish whose mis-hit shot rolled into the bottom left hand corner of Jan Oblak's net.
The 24-time league champions improved as the game went eventhough they were pegged back by another former winner, Diego Godin -who managed to beatMarc-André ter Stegen with the slightest of touches from a dangerous Koke free-kick.
"Atlético are very dangerous on set pieces�, Enrique added.
We were a lot better in the second half, and we had more possession. In the first half, we lost a lot of balls.�
"I'm satisfied with a win against a direct opponent, but we have a long way to go.
"It is important to climb away from Atlético and get closer to where we want to be. We are keeping the pressure on.�
Barcelona, of late, seem to have a never say die attitude, which is indicative of their recent performances, even whenthe Catalonians have not fully deserved their victories.
As well as this the Spanish giants seem to have theinnate ability to adapt to changing surroundings, and alter their game to counteract the opposition.
You could see the good attitudes of the players all game long, they were all united, and in the end, we were rewarded, and deservedly so. You have to congratulate them", the Barca boss said.
"We changed our system and went to a 3-4-3 diamond formation to control possession and the match."
The win sees Barcelona keep close tabs on fellow title rivals Sevilla and Real Madrid who both came from losing positions this weekend to secure three points.
Real Madrid move back into top spot after being temporarily displaced by Barcelona earlier this afternoon. #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/lcykm2jMKC