Guardiola: Win gives us morale boost

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola claimed the manner of his side's victory over Sporting Gijon was a boost for their self-belief. Barça recovered from the sending-off of Gerard Pique and the concession of an equaliser moments later to run out 3-1 winners thanks to late goals from Seydou Keita and Xavi. The reigning champions had earlier gone ahead through Andres Iniesta only for Sporting's David Barral to equalise two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The win kept the Catalans, who were without the suspended Lionel Messi, on the coat-tails of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. "We won a match against a very defensive side in a match that turned against us," Guardiola told the club's website. "I'm happy with how the players reacted. They've done it again. The players took a step forward. It's very necessary to win games like this throughout the year. The way this game was won reinforces our morale." Guardiola also had words of praise for Keita, who restored Barça's lead in the 79th minute. "He scored an amazing goal, he never plays poorly," the coach said. "He does his best whenever I need him. He makes my job easier. I hope he can stay at the club for as long as possible." Injury to Alexis There was some bad news for Barcelona, though, with winger Alexis Sanchez coming off in the second half with a muscle injury. The club confirmed the Chilean has suffered a small tear in the adductor of his right leg which will rule him out for between ten and 15 days.