Iniesta: Numbers only matter in May

Andres Iniesta is refusing to get distracted by the plaudits even as Barcelona became the first team in La Liga to end the first half of the season with 55 points.

Goals from Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Thiago sealed a 3-1 win for the Catalans on Sunday over Malaga to maintain their 11 point lead atop of La Liga.

It left Tito Vilanova's side with a record breaking 55 points from 19 games but Iniesta, who was brilliant against Malaga, will only wait until the end of the season before judging the team's achievements.

"The individual talent that each player brings to the table helps the team, and with hard work and sacrifice we get the desired results," he said on the club's website.

He added: "We want to be on the same form in May."

Barca have yet to taste defeat in La Liga this season with 18 wins and 1 draw from 19 games, but Iniesta understands that a first loss will come "sooner or later".

"We feel great and our first half of the season was nearly impeccable," he said.

"[But] these kinds of numbers only mean something at the end of the season."

Barca are 11 points clear of closest challengers Atletico Madrid in La Liga.