Barcelona not out of La Liga race – Deco

Following an eventful weekend in the Spanish top flight, Barcelona sporting director Deco remains confident the league title is still within sight.

Xavi’s team defeated Alaves 3-1 to close the gap on the top two, who both dropped points. Real Sociedad held Girona, while Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Atletico.

The results put Barcelona six points behind Girona in second place and eight behind Los Blancos after 23 games.

Madrid host Girona at the Bernabeu next weekend which could be an opportunity for the Blaugrana side to get even closer, and Deco believes Barcelona is not out of the title fight just yet.

“I want to clarify that this team was never asked to win; what they were asked to do was compete because if you compete well, the chances of winning increase,” he said in an interview with La Vanguardia.

“If you ask me today, I think the League is not finished. Saturday’s victory gives us some hope. The next games before Naples will be important, for us and for our rivals.”

While the top two on the league table go head-to-head, Barcelona will face Granada on Sunday.