Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is pleased with their progress after victory over Villarreal.
He was happy with his team's continued good form.
"We are doing well and I am happy with the players," Guardiola said.
"We all work very hard. There are people with great human qualities here - footballers known at a world level because of how good they are. It's a big club, a great club.
"It's through hard work and great players and staff (that we can be where we are).
Guardiola reserved special praise for his two central defenders.
Of captain Carles Puyol, making his 500th competitive appearance in Barca colours, he said: "He is an example to everyone at the club."
And full-back Eric Abidal, in for the suspended Gerard Pique, also received a glowing tribute from his boss.
"He was spectacular," the coach said.
"One of the reasons we decided not to sign any central defenders was that we knew how well he could play there.
"We also have Adriano, who is flexible, but Eric was spectacular today."
