Barcelonistas' Place to Share: Barça consolidate top spot in Jerez (0-2)

FC Barcelona have beaten Jerez 0-2 thanks to two second-half goals from Henry and Ibrahimovic. The win means Barça stretch their lead over Real Madrid to five points.

Despite the huge gap between the two sides in the league table it was never going to be an easy match in Jerez. Barça started the game with a line-up that lacked some familiar names such as Iniesta, Messi and Ibrahimovic, but the side found the inspiration to forge a win from an unattractive game played on a dreadful pitch. The victory was the result of hard work and motivation – demanded by Guardiola before the match – and two goals from Henry and Ibrahimovic at the start and the end of the second half.

The win means that Barça are now five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, though Madrid have a game in hand.

A single chance

The first half enjoyed few chances for either side. Jerez played a disciplined, defensive game and their constant pressure high up the pitch made it difficult for Barça to create. The poor state of the pitch also played its part in spoiling the game. As the ever present rain worsened only a single Henry effort after 25 minutes promised any chance of scoring.

Henry puts Barça ahead

The second half couldn’t have been more different. In the opening minute Maxwell received the ball wide on the left with time to measure his cross to Henry who headed in from close range.

Jerez open up

The goal forced Jerez to open up and look for an equalizer, and that turned out to be good news for the fans. Both sides began to enjoy more chances as they found space but no one had the final touch. Guardiola decided to bring on two of his big guns to force the pace - Messi (min 54) and Ibrahimovic (min 66).

Ibrahimovic clinches it

These two were joined in the final minutes by Iniesta (min 82). With Barça’s attacking potential strengthened and Jerez risking more and more to find a goal, spaces began to appear all over the pitch. Messi hit the post, Iniesta missed a sitter… but Ibrahimovic finally hit the back of the net with probably the best touch of the night.