Guardiola joy as Barca claim ‘El Clasico’

BARCELONA sent out a strong signal to potential Champions League opponents ahead of Friday’s second round draw as late goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi gave them a win over bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Saturday night.

Barca may be flying away at the top of the La Liga table but coach Pep Guardiola is determined to keep his feet and those of his players firmly on the ground. The victory left them 12 points above two-time reigning champions Madrid, and eight above second-placed Valencia.

“I’m very happy to have beaten the current champions, and there is a good distance between us. But there is long way to go,” Guardiola said.