Luis Suarez comments after Eibar hat-trick

Barcelona’s hat-trick hero Luis Suarez has hailed his side’s performance against Eibar as proof to why they are the Spanish champions.

Barca fell behind after 10 minutes at Camp Nou to Borja Baston’s goal, only for Suarez to respond by producing a stunning individual display, bagging three goals to send the Catalans level with Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga.

The side clung on for the win despite Javier Mascherano subsequently being shown a straight red card in a heated contest, and Suarez insists they must continue to display spirit if they are to keep pace with their rivals.

“We won a hard match, I’m so happy about have achieved this and I’m so pleased to have helped the team to get goals,” he told reporters after the match.

“They [Eibar] started winning, we had complications but we demonstrated why we are the current champions of La Liga.”

The former Liverpool forward, who now has seven goals in eight league games, nevertheless expects Barcelona’s title credentials to be tested.

“It will be a hard year, teams that are at the top will fight to be there until the end,” he added.

“Real Madrid will always be there.”