If Luis Suarez isn’t the best player in the world, he’s very, very close.
Tonight, The Uruguayan scored his 50th goal of the season, in a career defining performance which featured four goals and three assists as Barcelona obliterated Deportivo 8-0 away from home.
Shockingly, Barcelona had lost their past three La Liga matches, but any suggestions they would bottle the end of this season were put to bed by Suarez and co.
At half-time, Los Cules were two up, thanks to a brace from the 29-year-old – who along with Lionel Messi has been off colour recently.
His second featured a lovely piece of forward movement with a trademark cool finish afterwards.
If the first-half was easy, the second was a cakewalk.
Six more goals arrived for Barcelona, who stay top of the table – equal on points with Atletico but with a better head-to-head record and a ridiculous goal-difference.
Suarez scored two more, and made three, one of which included a beautifully weighted pass to Ivan Rakitic.
The Croat’s spot in the side has come into question in recent weeks, due to Barcelona’s odd run of defeats, and he’ll need to maintain the kind of level he showed tonight until the end of the season if he’s to keep his spot in the side next term.
Lionel Messi, Neymar and young defender Marc Bartra completed the rout, which was almost as embarrassing for the away team as it was the home.
Bartra’s was especially impressive, as Luis Enrique’s team sliced Depor like a knife through butter. When centre-backs are scoring goals like this, you know it’s your night.
Barcelona next face Sporting at the weekend, and know if they win their remaining five matches, La Liga glory is guaranteed.
The fact Real Madrid and Atletico have to navigate Champions League semi-finals during this run plays into Barca’s hands, not that they wouldn’t still be in Europe if they had the choice.
Tonight was epic retaliation for the misery they’ve suffered over the past month. Deportivo, the unfortunate victims.
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