Guardiola: Getafe victory for Abidal

Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by ESPN

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has dedicated their La Liga victory over Getafe to Eric Abidal, who had liver surgery on Tuesday.

Barcelona have managed to reduce the gap between themselves league leaders Real Madrid to a single point, although their rivals have a game in hand. Guardiola told his club's official website that he was satisfied with how his team responded to the defensive nature of their opposition.

"We’re very pleased to be able to dedicate this victory to Abidal and his cousin Gerard. It’s a special day because we knew that he was in surgery. We’re very pleased because it’s never easy [to play against] such a defensive team." the manager shared.

"We found our patience, and we scored fairly early, we created goal scoring chances, we controlled the match. it’s very difficult to attack a team that defends with nine players."

However, the Spaniard refused to comment on the mounting pressure their title rivals must feel going into their fixture against Atletico Madrid later tonight [Wednesday], choosing instead to draw attention to some difficult upcoming away games Barcelona must contend with.

"We’re on a good streak and we have to focus on our own work. We have to start thinking about one of the most difficult matches we have left away from home like the one against Levante and Rayo." Guardiola said.

"These two games will mark our course [in the Liga]."

Barcelona's Carles Puyol turns 34 this Friday, and Guardiola has revealed his delight at the level of consistency the player displays.

"Beyond his physical qualities he can play football. He lives for it and he takes care of himself. He lives each training session as if it were his last and he performs like it’s his first." he said.

"I’m very pleased with him and even more so after last year. It’s encouraging because it helps me think we can prolong his career and that’s good for him and for Barça."

Barcelona will travel to Levante this weekend for their next La Liga fixture.