Barcelona did Cordoba homework, says happy Luis Enrique

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique says his side's 8-0 thrashing of Cordoba on Saturday was the result of them "doing their homework".

The Catalans have won each of their last six matches, scoring a staggering 23 goals, while conceding only once in the process.

That win streak - along with their brilliant form since the turn of the year - has seen them storm to the top of La Liga and they could yet win the treble with a Champions League semi-final and Copa del Rey final to come.

"If we want to be champions, we have to do our homework on all opponents regardless of their position in La Liga or the stadium," Luis Enrique told reporters after the victory, which relegated Cordoba into the Segunda Division.

"And that's what Barca have done, we've done our homework and this Cordoba win is another result of that. Results like 8-0 wins build confidence. The level of effectiveness here was excellent and I am very happy with the performances.

"We've bagged three key points. Regarding the relegation of Cordoba, in football these things happen. The situation was complicated for them, we played with the utmost respect though. On occasion the shoe has been on the other foot for us."

The coach refused to get involved in a debate about why Neymar took the penalty for Barca instead of Lionel Messi, despite the Argentine having the opportunity to get a hat-trick.

"The players on the pitch are the ones who decide who takes the spot-kick," he added. "It depends on the day or whatever. Any one of Messi, Neymar, Xavi or Suarez can take penalties, it doesn't matter."