Luis Suarez 'makes the difference' for Barcelona, says Diego Simeone

Luis Suarez was Barcelona's match-winner once more as the European champions took firm control of the La Liga title race by defeating closest rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Barca were far from their best on Saturday, but even Atletico's rock-solid defence was powerless to stop a two-goal burst in eight minutes just before half-time from Lionel Messi and Suarez.

Victory moved Barcelona three points clear of Atletico - having also played a game less - and seven ahead of third-placed Real Madrid and Simeone was quick to cite the importance of Suarez to Luis Enrique's side.

"He is such an important player, he makes the difference. Without doubt, his arrival has given Barcelona more penetration than they already had," said Simeone.

"He has different qualities to the rest. He is strong, a typical No 9 in the area, he is a very complete player and he has enriched Barcelona."

Suarez forms part of Barca's three-man attack alongside Messi and Neymar and the former Liverpool striker has scored more goals this season than anyone else in Europe with 31 in 32 games.

"I think he was already a very complete player at Liverpool and here he has been even better," said Barca boss Luis Enrique. Luis gives us a lot of things and all of them are positive."

Since both men called Luis arrived at Barcelona, they have won five of a possible six trophies. With a comfortable La Liga lead, a Copa del Rey semi-final and Champions League knockout stages to come, the trophy haul looks set to continue.