Javier Mascherano believes the gap between La Liga’s top teams and the rest of the division is narrowing after Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Levante on Sunday.
La Blaugrana needed a last-gasp Luis Suarez strike to kill off their trip to Ciutat de Valencia, having failed to build on David Navarro’s early own goal, and the Argentine is warning his side to expect more tight affairs, with the business end of the season fast approaching.
“We couldn’t move the ball quickly because of the wind and that made us predictable,” he said after the game.
“It’s true that this factor affected both teams, but Barcelona’s game depends a lot on the ball being played quickly, and the wind affected us a lot.
“We were strong and fought for the three points, which will serve to maintain our confidence.
“Winning without playing well is a key to growth. The idea is to keep adding points and maintain our lead.
“The gap is narrowing between teams [in La Liga]. The stakes are big for everyone from this point onwards.
“We’ll see a lot of games, in which our opponents have a lot to play for.
“[On equalling Barca’s 28-game unbeaten record], I don’t give importance to the statistics.
“All we have to do is achieve the objectives we set at the start of the season.”
