Barcelona coach Luis Enrique pointed to the strength of his squad after attacking big names Lionel Messi and Neymar had starred in Saturday afternoon's 6-0 La Liga win at Elche.
Barca went in 1-0 at halftime through Gerard Pique's set-piece goal, but the floodgates opened after Elche's Faycal Fajr was sent off and goals arrived from Lionel Messi (two), Neymar (two) and Pedro Rodriguez.
With perhaps one eye on Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg at Atletico Madrid, the Asturian had made six changes to his line-up to the game -- including leaving Luis Suarez on the bench on his 28th birthday.
After what his team's sixth consecutive win since the much publicised issues with Lionel Messi in early January, the Barcelona coach told his post-match news conference that he was extra happy with how the much-changed side had continued the team's good form.
"I do not know any player who likes to be taken out," he said. "We know that only 11 can play, and the coaches must choose. The team reinforces itself in a standout way. It shows what this team and squad has, and what we can be in the immediate future."
With Suarez on the bench for the whole 90 minutes, Messi returned to the "false nine" role, from where he ran riot during the second half with two goals (one from a penalty) as well as two assists for Neymar.
"That is a system that we already know," Luis Enrique said. "Leo can play between the centre-halves, as a false nine. It depends on how we attack, and how we defend."
Barca's Brazilian superstar also calmly slotted his two goals, was fouled for the penalty, and also produced a superbly unselfish assist to lay on the final goal for Pedro late on.
"For me, Neymar was at the same level as the rest of the team, a very high level," Luis Enrique said.
The Asturian coach was also keen to point out that the hard work put in by his side during the first half had been key to being able to enjoy themselves later in the game.
"I saw a game which lasted 90 minutes and had different phases," he said. "At the start, the opponent is fresh, with big defensive ideas, and that means it is difficult. You try and move the ball around as well as possible.
"Also, the pitch was not in the best condition. The goal took a while to arrive, but we made chances. From then on we were liberated, and controlled the game better.
"These games are usual over the course of the season, and are difficult to resolve. I am happy with the team over the 90 minutes."
