Barcelona must step up in Messi´s absence, says Iniesta

Andres Iniesta believes Barcelona need to raise their game whenever they play without the services of talismanic striker Lionel Messi.

The Catalans were without the diminutive Argentine for Saturday night’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Sporting Gijon at Camp Nou because of suspension – and it showed, with Barcelona only picking up three vital points thanks to late goals from Seydou Keita and Xavi.

Iniesta, who opened the scoring, feels that the onus is on all of Barca’s players to step up to the mark whenever their number 10 is absent.

“When an important player like Messi can’t play, we all must try a bit harder,” the Spain international said.

“(But) once again, the team played some great football.”

Barca had been made to work hard for their win, though, with David Barrall having drawn Sporting level just moments after Blaugrana defender Gerard Pique had been sent off in the early stages of the second half.

In the end, Iniesta was just grateful for a victory which drew the Catalans to within seven points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, albeit having played a game more than Los Blancos.

“The game got tough after the referee’s decision (to dismiss Pique), but we had to attack,” the World Cup winner said.

“Our necessity is winning three points week after week. The gap is considerable, but we have to fight until the end.”

Barca now shift their attention to the Champions League and Wednesday night’s last-16 second-leg clash with Bayer Leverkusen.