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Barcelona coach Luis Enrique hailed his team's ability to recover from going behind against Villarreal on Sunday.
Having watched Barcelona come from behind twice to defeat Villarreal 3-2, coach Luis Enrique hailed his team's ability to grind out results on Sunday.
Barcelona's triumph at the Camp Nou was their second come-from-behind win in a row, after they trailed twice against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday to also prevail 3-2 in their Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg.
And Luis Enrique was thrilled to see that kind of persistence up against genuine La Liga rivals in reigning champions Atletico and Villarreal, who sit sixth in the Spanish top flight.
"Coming back twice is important, it shows that the team is on form," the 44-year-old said.
"Today we did it again against a great team."
Villarreal led 1-0 and 2-1 in the Catalan capital with Denis Cheryshev and Luciano Vietto scoring either side of Neymar's strike.
But after Vietto put the visitors in front in the 51st minute, Barcelona responded quickly with Rafinha equalising two minutes later before Lionel Messi struck the winning goal in the 55th minute.
Rafinha's goal was his first in La Liga and Luis Enrique hailed the Brazilian midfielder's performance, claiming he will be a long-term prospect for Barcelona.
"It's a pleasure to have such dangerous players up in attack, and that are on such great form," Luis Enrique said.
"Rafinha has played a very complete game, he'll be very important to us in the future."
The 21-year-old Brazilian was thrilled to have been given just his sixth start in Spain's top division, telling Canal+: "It was a very important match for me.
"I've given everything, although I know it's hard to earn a starting role."
Sevilla coach Unai Emery claimed his team won "convincingly" against Espanyol, despite his side only prevailing 3-2.
They may have needed an 89th-minute winner from Iago Aspas but Sevilla coach Unai Emery claimed his side beat Espanyol "convincingly" on Sunday after they triumphed 3-2.
Espanyol, who had lost goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to a red card five minutes before half-time, levelled the La Liga fixture at 2-2 after 76 minutes thanks to Victor Sanchez's strike.
But a fine shot on the turn by Aspas, after a pass from Carlos Bacca, saw Sevilla prevail, as Emery's men registered their sixth victory in eight league matches.
"We deserved to win and did so convincingly," Emery said at his post-match media conference.
"I'm very happy with the players' attitude in what turned out to be a very difficult game for both teams and for the ref.
"Even when we were trailing 1-0 we didn't drop our heads, we continued to press forward and looked for get back on level terms. We attacked well but our finishing wasn't as clinical as it can be."
Sevilla took 22 shots to five on Sunday with Emery's men hitting the target seven times, while Espanyol's two on-target efforts hit the back of the net.
Emery conceded the shot-conversion rate of both sides was a source of concern for Sevilla.
"Espanyol's equaliser to make it 2-2 took all of us by surprise," he said.
"It's quite normal for anxiety to start creeping in when you're drawing and time is running out but our attitude was superb.
"We do need to be more effective at the back though as Espanyol had three chances on goal and scored from two of them."
Real Madrid v Sevilla: Leaders looking to extend advantage
2 February 2015
Real Madrid can extend their lead at the top of La Liga to four points when they host Sevilla on Wednesday.
With a slender one-point lead at La Liga's summit, Real Madrid can put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack when Sevilla visit the Santiago Bernabeu.
This fixture had to be postponed earlier in the season, due to Real's involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, but Wednesday's meeting gives Carlo Ancelotti's men the opportunity to cement their place at the top of the table.
Real come into the game in high spirits, having beaten Real Sociedad 4-1 at home at the weekend to record a fourth consecutive league success.
Ancelotti hailed the performance of Karim Benzema after the Frenchman netted twice on Saturday and the coach will hope for a repeat performance as his team continue to manage without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, who serves the second game of his two-match suspension for a clash with Cordoba's Edimar last weekend.
Following the win over Sociedad, Ancelotti suggested that he could make alterations to his team as he looks to manage the players' levels of fatigue.
"We have to assess the exertion we've put in in this game," he said.
"We know that we have a very important game to try to increase our lead. I might change something because we need a fresh team."
Aside from Ronaldo's enforced absence, Ancelotti looks likely to still be without Luka Modric (thigh), while defender Pepe remains a doubt with a rib injury.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are in strong form themselves and have only lost one of their past eight top-flight outings.
Iago Aspas' late winner earned them a 3-2 success over Espanyol on Sunday, a result that further enhanced their hopes of securing a top-four finish and a return to UEFA Champions League football.
Sevilla saw goalkeeper Beto substituted at half-time due to injury and it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time, with Sergio Rico poised to step in.
Following Sunday's victory, Emery began to turn his attention to facing Real, as he rejected any suggestion his side would be happy to take a draw.
"We play to win, not just to offer a good image of ourselves, but naturally by playing well, we'll have more options of winning," he said.
"We'll try to recover as many of our players as we can, so that those who play on Wednesday can give it all their energy."
Although this is the first league meeting between the two sides this season, Real have already beaten Sevilla 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup back in August, while the visitors will have torrid memories of a 7-3 thrashing in the corresponding fixture in 2013-14.
Lionel Messi did not take part in Barcelona's training session on Monday, with the club citing personal reasons for his absence.
Barcelona have given superstar Lionel Messi permission to miss training on Monday due to personal reasons.
The Argentina international played a starring role as Barca twice came from behind to beat Villarreal 3-2 in La Liga on Sunday, scoring the third and ultimately decisive goal.
Messi - who has 22 league goals this term - did not partake in the club's recovery session, although Barca did not elaborate on the reasons why.
"The first team has trained on Monday morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper," read a statement on Barcelona's website.
"A few hours after the 3-2 win over Villarreal in La Liga, the [players] have carried out work of recovery.
"Neymar, Dani Alves and Douglas have carried out specific work, while Leo Messi has not been training due to personal issues, with the permission of the club."
Reports earlier this season suggested that Messi was contemplating a surprise exit from Camp Nou due to a troubled relationship with head coach Luis Enrique.
Barca centre-back Jeremy Mathieu revealed last week that Messi and Luis Enrique were involved in a training ground bust-up when the players returned from their mid-season break at the start of last month.
The Frenchman claimed that Messi was left incensed after being on the receiving end of a hefty challenge during a training match, but Mathieu claimed the issue was swiftly resolved.
The left-back feels the attacker offers something Barcelona were previously missing and was over the moon with the win over Villarreal
Jordi Alba is adamant that Luis Suarez was a good signing for Barcelona even if he has yet to replicate the form that saw him win the European Golden Shoe at Liverpool last season.
The Uruguay international, 28, has scored just twice in La Liga since his return from suspension and again failed to find the net in the 3-2 win over Villarreal on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Jordi Alba has stressed that Suarez still adds something to the team they were previously missing.
"Perhaps Suarez is having a tough time finishing, but he was a very good signing and he gives us what we lacked," the defender told the official Barcelona website.
"We have several great attackers now and that makes a difference.
"As the coach has said, our bench is very deep with excellent players and there are lots of options."
The Spain international then went on to hail his side's hard-fought win over Villarreal at Camp Nou.
"This wasn't a game that we dominated as we usually do, it was much tougher than usual," he added.
"Villarreal hadn't lost in 18 games, which means that they're very good. The semi-finals of the Copa del Rey will be no easy task."
Malaga 1 Valencia 0: Castillejo inspires first Liga win of 2015 for hosts
2 February 2015
Samu Castillejo got Malaga back to winning ways in La Liga as he scored the only goal to sink Valencia on Monday.
Malaga recorded their first La Liga win of 2015 with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Valencia at La Rosaleda.
Javier Gracia's Malaga headed into the match on a barren run having been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Athletic Bilbao last week on the back of two league points from the past 12 on offer.
But Samu Castillejo headed the decisive goal in the 25th minute and Valencia only threatened sporadically thereafter - Javi Guerra coming close to doubling Malaga's lead five minutes later
Visiting goalkeeper Diego Alves reacted sharply to deny Sergi Darder in the 70th minute and Valencia's task became harder still when defender Joao Cancelo collected his second booking for fouling Nacho Camacho.
Malaga's Nordin Amrabat clattered a 25-yard strike against the inside of the upright, while Valencia's last sight of an equaliser came when Alvaro Negredo sent a volley bobbling wide from a similar distance.
Valencia sit fifth with 41 points - two places and six points better off than their conquerors on Monday.
Barca express ´indignation´ at latest prosecution claims
3 February 2015
The latest claims from Spanish prosecutors over Neymar's transfer to Barcelona have been vehemently rejected by the Catalan giants.
Barcelona have reiterated their innocence in relation to the transfer of Neymar after Spanish prosecutors called for the club to face trial.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, a petition was raised against the club, former president Sandro Rosell and current incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The acquisition of Neymar has been under the spotlight over the past 12 months after his move from Santos prior to the 2013-14 campaign, a deal estimated to be worth in the region of €57million although some claims suggested it was closer to €95m.
The furore led to Rosell leaving his post and Bartomeu stepping up in his place, and he has continued to claim the transfer was completed with all the relevant documentation.
Following the claims on Tuesday, the Catalan giants have hit out and expressed their "indignation".
"Barcelona has declared its innocence, and provided all of the documentation requested on numerous occasions," a statement read.
"It is Barcelona's wish for the judge hearing this case to reject the requests being made by the Prosecutors Office, as all of the actions involved in the player's transfer process were conducted with no intent whatsoever to breach the law in any way.
"Barcelona shall not allow any action to tarnish the club's image or to damage or dishonour what it considers to be a historic and strategic signing."
Barca went on to vehemently deny any wrongdoings by Bartomeu, providing an explanation for the tax offence brought against him.
They added: "In this [Bartomeu] case, the charge is related to a payment of five million euros, the final part of the 40 million that the club was obliged to pay to the N&N company for the transfer of the player, and which it was stipulated would be paid on 31 January 2014, eight days after the change of president.
"The decision to defer this payment to January 2014 and the discussion about the type of tax retentions that should be applied to the same, do not seem to be sufficient grounds to press charges.
"Moreover, the complementary statement presented as a precautionary and preventative measure in February 2014 already covered any interpretations that could be made with regard to the retention to be applied to this payment."
Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his defence of Gareth Bale after Real Madrid fans again jeered the forward against Real Sociedad.
Carlo Ancelotti has again backed Gareth Bale to deliver for Real Madrid after the Wales forward was again booed by fans at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Bale was jeered during a 3-0 win over Espanyol last month for shooting instead of passing to team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and was also the target for abuse from some fans in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at the weekend.
Ancelotti and Ronaldo have previously backed Bale but, when the Italian was again quizzed on the whistles this week, Ancelotti stated neither he nor the player were concerned by the issue.
"The truth is that I don't think that he heard whistles and neither did I," Ancelotti told a news conference on Tuesday.
"I do not think that he is worried, he is playing well and is in optimum condition. I hope that he continues like so.
"Bale is doing his best, at the maximum, to help the team. He did it very well last year. He scored in the three finals and he is producing a fantastic season.
"We are at ease with Bale, he is doing very well."
Real face Sevilla in La Liga on Wednesday before contesting the Madrid derby against Atletico at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
With Ronaldo serving the second of a two-match suspension, Ancelotti stated his intention to name his strongest available side in midweek.
"Tomorrow is the most important game, not the derby, so I will put out the best team possible," he added before explaining that a fully-fit trio of Bale, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will always be his first choice forward line.
"Yes, without doubt. There is no doubt. Bale, Cristiano and Benzema are always going to play."
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could command a price tag of £300million, according to agent Jorge Mendes.
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent believes Real Madrid would receive a fee of £300million if they opted to sell the Portugal captain tomorrow and revealed that the forward has a £1billion release clause in his contract.
Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to Real in 2009 for a then world-record fee of £80m and has since gone on to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or twice.
The 29-year-old has been constantly linked with a return to Old Trafford - despite agreeing a new deal to stay in Madrid until 2018 - but his representative, Jorge Mendes, warned his client would command a huge fee.
When asked what Ronaldo's valuation would be, Mendes told BBC Sport: "Cristano Ronaldo? One billion. His buyout clause one billion, so it is one billion. It is impossible to find someone like him.
"If for any reason the club decide to sell him tomorrow for 300 million, someone will pay.
"He is the best player ever in the world. You can't compare him with anybody else,"
Mendes added that potential suitors for Ronaldo would be wasting their time by making on offer for the prolific former Sporting Lisbon man.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is hopeful that Real Madrid can be caught by Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen expects Real Madrid to slip-up in the La Liga title race and the goalkeeper said Barcelona must be ready to take advantage.
Ter Stegen has yet to feature in a league game for the Catalan giants - the German instead used in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League - with Claudio Bravo preferred by Luis Enrique for Spanish top-flight matches..
Real lead Barca by a point and also have a game in hand, but former Borussia Monchengladbach keeper believes Carlo Ancelotti's side can be caught.
"We have to stay focused," he told the club's official website.
"In the league we hope Madrid stumble, which they surely will do. To stay in the title race we have to keep winning our games.
"In the Spanish Cup and the Champions League, luck certainly is a factor; we have to make our own luck.
"We’ve also shown that we can be tough on defence if necessary.
"I think if we keep playing well defensively, we have a shot at succeeding in all three competitions."
Australia forward Tim Cahill knocked back a late offer from former manager David Moyes on Monday to join the Scotsman at Real Sociedad.
Tim Cahill revealed there was a late offer from David Moyes' club Real Sociedad before he decided to join Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.
Just days after helping Australia lift the Asian Cup, Cahill announced on Tuesday in Sydney he was heading to China after parting ways with MLS club New York Red Bulls.
Australia's leading goal-scorer had offers from all over the world including England, Spain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and China.
But after speaking to some influential people over the last 24 hours, he decided Shanghai was the best place for the next stage of his illustrious career.
"I've been on the phone to [former Everton manager and Real Sociedad boss] David Moyes, I spoke with [former Arsenal and New York striker] Thierry Henry and also the chairman Bill Kenright at Everton and [Australia coach] Ange [Postecoglou] this morning," Cahill said on Fox Sports.
"I've made the decision purely because I've played in the Premier League and did really well and it was a massive compliment to get the phone calls I did last night and to speak to Moyes about possibly going to La Liga.
"I've done the Premier League, I've done America. New York was amazing for me...[but] China is a growing market in football.
"You see in the [Asian Cup quarter-final] that we played against China, millions of people watched it and I'm someone who is embracing culture and a different aspect of life.
"I'm at an age where I want to give something back to football and still play at a high level...it's all about doing what I want to do as footballer and trying different leagues and I think it's exciting.
"To still be in demand and have the offers I've had is special but this will be massive for me as a player on and off the park."
Cahill said he had talks with Sydney FC officials after last year's World Cup "but as far as offers, there was nothing".
"I can openly say that [Sydney FC CEO] Tony Pignata is a gentleman, he did reach out after the World Cup but realistic offers there were none," the 35-year-old said.
"I'm an ambassador for Australia and I want to make sure the kids know I'm following my dreams.
"To know I could have gone back to the Premier League, La Liga and things like that…everyone talks about money and things like that but I'm at a different stage of my career."
Having played at three World Cups and helping Australia win their first major piece of silverware at the Asian Cup, there are some suggestions Cahill may opt bow out of international football on a high.
Cahill has previously claimed he could keep representing his country until the 2018 World Cup but when asked about his international future on Tuesday, he appeared to hint at a reduced role for Australia's national team.
"My plans will be to support the boss [Postecoglou]," Cahill said.
"My vision for the last 14 months was to be a team player. It's never been about me.
"The boss knows my plans for the national team. I'm always there for him on and off the park. I'll always leave that decision to him, someone who has changed the footprint of football in Australia."
Cahill was adamant his decision to head to China was not a financial one but more about helping to grow the game in that highly developing market.
"I've never, ever chased the money. If I did I would have been in Qatar or China four years ago," he said.
"I'll make an impact in China, I promise you, on the pitch.
"China is a growing market in football. I'm somebody that embraces culture and different aspects of life. I asked for grass roots. I asked for a project. I asked for a vision.
"I sat with my two boys and I told them about China...the cultural differences, where we're going to be living. They're excited."
Following calls for Barcelona to face trial over issues surrounding the signing of Neymar, Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit back.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit back after Spanish prosecutors called for the club to face trial over alleged tax fraud surrounding the signing of Neymar in 2013.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, a petition was raised against the club, former president Sandro Rosell and his successor Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The acquisition of Neymar has been under the spotlight over the past 12 months after his move from Santos prior to the 2013-14 campaign, a deal estimated to be worth in the region of €57million although some claims suggested it was closer to €95m.
The furore led to Rosell leaving his post and Bartomeu stepping up in his place, and he has continued to claim the transfer was completed with all the relevant documentation.
Following the claims on Tuesday, the Catalan giants released a statement to express their "indignation", and Bartomeu later made an appearance on Catalan television to reveal his belief that Barcelona are under attack.
"It seems that signing Neymar has been a sin, we have not stopped receiving attacks since his signing," he told TV3. "The signing did not please certain sectors and prompted an attack against the club.
"We have acted correctly, and have not committed a crime. There was no crime or not wanting to pay taxes.
"There is a red line that has been crossed and we have to say enough. There is too much going on and we have to put a stop to it because a line has been crossed.
"Barca will defend their interests. I will declare before judge Ruz and tell him that everything has been done correctly."
Sevilla goalkeeper Beto went to hospital as a precautionary measure after getting injured in their 2-1 La Liga loss to Real Madrid.
Sevilla coach Unai Emery waved away fears of a serious injury to goalkeeper Beto, and slammed the referee after their La Liga loss to Real Madrid.
Emery's men went down 2-1 at The Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with James Rodriguez and Jese's goals enough for the hosts despite Iago Aspas' late goal for the visitors.
Still occupying fourth spot after the defeat, Sevilla could have moved within two points of third-placed Atletico Madrid with a victory - something Emery said was hard to achieve, due to referee Ignacio Iglesias.
Injury to insult was Beto's substitution out of the game in the 35th minute with a suspected serious head injury, but Emery said the custodian's trip to hospital was mere precaution.
"It's hard to play Madrid at The Santiago Bernabeu. The one thing which makes me most proud is that we competed for 90 minutes," he said after the game.
"Even at 2-0 down, we were patient and created chances. We can safely say that we deserved something more.
"Of course, we're not satisfied because the defeat is above everything. I'm very proud of all the players.
"Real Madrid were very efficient in the first half, but [substitute goalkeeper] Sergio Rico had a great game. My only satisfaction is our teamwork.
"Madrid were both individually and collectively very good, even against rivals like ourselves.
"They've recovered and know how to suffer. [Our goal] came about too late for us to get the draw.
"With Beto, there's no need to panic. He'll undergo tests but went to hospital as a precaution."
Emery said defensive midfielder Vicente Iborra performed admirably, especially in attack, despite missing from point-blank range in the 59th minute.
"Iborra's a productive player. He's played in more advanced positions before as he can be quite dangerous in the box," the coach continued.
"He had a great game and has a very good attitude but lacked a goal.
"Football is a contact sport. At Real Madrid, when you don't have contact with their players, they dance past you.
"It wasn't a brutal match but competitive and intense. It's a very difficult game and pitch for the referee. We lost the points because of him [Iglesias]."
Camp Nou, one of the most famous stadiums in world football, could be in line for a rebrand.
Barcelona's Camp Nou could be set for a name change as part of a sponsorship deal between the club and Qatar Airways, the airline's chief executive officer has revealed.
Barca are in the process of renegotiating their contract with the company, which is due to expire in 2016.
And the carrier's CEO, Akbar Al Baker, has indicated that the Qatar Airways brand may be added to the iconic stadium as part of the new agreement.
Speaking at a press conference, Al Baker said: "Everything is a possibility for our company, we're open to surprises and one of these could be connected to the name of the Camp Nou.
"Qatar Airways and Barcelona have the same values. It is possible that our name is added to the Camp Nou."
Barca's agreement with Qatar Airways is said to generate around €30million annually for the Catalan club.
amp Nou has been Barca's home since 1957 and is due to undergo remodelling work to bring the capacity up from 99,354 to 105,000. That project is scheduled to start in May 2017 and be completed in February 2021.
Antonio Barragan speaks of his excitement after signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract to extend his stay at Valencia.
Valencia have announced defender Antonio Barragan has agreed a new contract that will keep him at the Mestalla until 2017.
The 27-year-old, a first-team regular for Valencia since moving from Real Valladolid in August 2011, has penned a new two-and-a-half-year deal.
Barragan has made 18 Liga appearances for Nuno Espirito Santo's side this season, helping Valencia climb to fifth in the league table.
"I am very pleased with the renewal, it is what I wanted," said the defender. "In the end we came to an agreement that suited both parties.
"I am very happy to continue in this great club."
Having started his career with Sevilla, Barragan joined Rafael Benitez at Liverpool in 2005, but failed to make an impression and soon returned to Spain with Deportivo La Coruna.
After three seasons at La Riazor he moved to Valladolid, before making the switch to Valencia.
Real Madrid have confirmed James Rodriguez will undergo surgery after fracturing a metatarsal in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Sevilla.
James Rodriguez will undergo surgery after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Sevilla.
Real opened up a four-point advantage over nearest rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga by beating Sevilla on Wednesday, with Rodriguez opening the scoring in the 12th minute.
However, the Colombia forward was forced from the field 15 minutes after finding the net with a diving header and coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed in his post-match interview Rodriguez will miss Saturday's derby against Atletico Madrid.
A subsequent update on Real's official website confirmed the 23-year-old requires an operation.
It read: "Following tests on James Rodriguez for the medical services of Real Madrid in the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, he was diagnosed with a fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
"The player will undergo surgery in the coming hours."
Rodriguez is in his first season at The Santiago Bernabeu, having moved from Monaco in a high-profile transfer following his outstanding displays for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup.
Wednesday's goal against Sevilla took his tally to 12 for the season in all competitions and saw Rodriguez score for the second successive game in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo will return from his ban to face Atletico on Saturday, but Rodriguez now faces several weeks on the sidelines.
Martin Odegaard made an immediate impact for Real Madrid with a hand in two goals on his debut for the Castilla team.
Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard donned the white of Real Madrid for the first time in a behind-closed-doors game against Beijing Guoan on Wednesday.
Odegaard took months mulling over a move to one of Europe's giants and, having finally settled on Real, started well for his new club in a 3-3 draw for the Castilla side.
The former Stromsgodset player featured for just over an hour of the game.
Having shown no sign of nerves on his first outing, the 16-year-old could make his competitive debut when Real's Castilla side - coached by Zinedine Zidane - meet Athletic Bilbao's B side on Sunday.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Odegaard has been included in Real's first-team squad for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Were he to feature in the last-16 tie against Schalke, Odegaard would become the youngest player to participate in the tournament, eclipsing Celestine Babayaro's record of 16 years and 87 days set in 1994.
While Neymar's switch to Barcelona has provoked much controversy, the Brazilian feels he and Lionel Messi are making strides on the pitch.
Neymar believes a better understanding with Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is the primary reason for their free-scoring form so far this season.
The Brazil international joined Barca from Santos in June 2013 in a move that has been the subject of much controversy in Spain.
Barca have recently hit back at calls for the club to stand trial over alleged tax fraud surrounding the transfer, however, on the pitch the move is paying dividends.
After scoring 15 times last season, Neymar has netted 22 goals in 26 appearances this term, with Argentina superstar Messi on target on 32 occasions.
And Neymar is delighted with the progress they have made in 2014-15.
"I feel very happy. It’s been easy to play alongside Leo and he is one of my heroes," Neymar said at a promotional event in Qatar.
"Our understanding on the pitch just keeps getting better and better."
Gabriel Paulista's arrival has given Arsenal the strength in depth they need to triumph domestically and in Europe, says Per Mertesacker.
Per Mertesacker feels Gabriel Paulista's move to Arsenal has strengthened the club's bid for honours.
Paulista joined from Villarreal in the recent transfer window, offering manager Arsene Wenger another option at the back after having to cope with injuries to the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Mertesacker.
It is a signing that has given World Cup winner Mertesacker a great deal of optimism as Arsenal, sitting fifth in the Premier League, eye silverware in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
"We suffered a lot at times with injuries, but also with results," explained Mertesacker. "We want a very deep squad and we look much better now.
"We have that competition in our team and have an addition with a centre-back now, so I think we have a deep and good squad at the moment.
"He is a talent and I think we will get him to the level he needs because he has that potential.
"From my point of view, it is very promising because we were short at the back, especially in the centre position.
"It was a needed position to get everyone going and keep him on his natural position is very important."
Arsenal meet fierce rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday, with Mauricio Pochettino's side just two points behind them.
Real Madrid have been hurt by James Rodriguez's injury but his potential replacement is full of confidence after a goal versus Sevilla.
Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez has described his second goal of the season in their 2-1 triumph over Sevilla as a confidence boost.
Jese came on in the 27th minute of Wednesday's encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu after Colombian forward James Rodriguez had sustained a broken foot.
Rodriguez is expected to be out for at least two months and, along with Sergio Ramos, will miss the derby with Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
But Jese - who ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee in a UEFA Champions League tie with Schalke last March - immediately staked his claim for a place in the side in Rodriguez's absence,
The Spain Under-21 international scored what proved to be the winning goal nine minutes after his introduction, netting with a powerful close-range strike from Karim Benzema's deflected pass.
"I'm really happy because scoring always makes me delighted," Jese said. "It always gives you more confidence.
"When I came on the change happened so fast, it was really cold out there and Sevilla were committing a lot of fouls.
"I didn't warm up too well but everything turned out okay and we won, which is the main thing.
"It's also important to set up goals, but at the moment I needed one to keep on improving every day.
"We've been given two tough games in a week, today [Wednesday] we won and it was tough, but that's normal in this league - Now we are keen to beat Atletico on Saturday."
