Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has expressed his belief that Saturday's 2-0 win at Eibar could be "very important" in the title run-in.

Lionel Messi scored twice in Barca's victory, which has left Luis Enrique's side one point clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table ahead of Sunday's El Clasico at the Camp Nou.

"We played at our own pace and went on to take the three points. The squad are prepared for every game. We knew the game was very important," Rafinha told reporters.

Rafinha, who has been a regular for Barca this season after spending the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Celta Vigo, completed 70 minutes of the Eibar clash.