The Portuguese midfielder reflected on the Blaugrana's season after they extended their lead at the top of the table on Sunday by beating Mallorca in last minute at Camp Nou.

With the championship now firmly in their hands, Deco revealed that forging ahead has been made difficult by the media stories about the club that have meant the players having to talk constantly to defend themselves.

"This season has been longer because we are having to go through it continuously putting fires out," he said.

Former Barça defender Fernando Navarro was helpless as he scored an own goal in the final minute to give the home team victory over Mallorca, but Deco thinks that the three points were warranted.

"The team showed character, so we cannot be accused of not wanting to win," he explained.

"It was very important, especially after Madrid lost.

"We had chances and it is vital that we won, so the rest is irrelevant."

Leo Messi admitted that Frank Rijkaard's side may be considered fortunate to win the game in such a manner, but he too believed that Barça had done enough to win.

"It appeared that both teams were ready to accept the draw, but then we scored," the Argentinian stated.

"Scoring the last minute may have been a bit lucky though, but we deserved it. We did what we had to do.

"It was hard, but we never gave up. If either deserved to take all the points then it was us.

"Without playing at our best, we continued to look for that goal."

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