Barca eased past Racing Santander 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a first-half Thierry Henry goal, and while it may not have been the most convincing of victories, it did keep Frank Rijkaard's men seven points behind Real.

"I think the most important thing is to win and stay alive in the three competitions," said 17-year-old Krkic.

"We're in a situation in which we need to look more at the result. There needs to be patience - the good football will come soon."

Barca had been hoping for a slip from Real this weekend with the reigning champions facing a tough trip to local rivals Atletico Madrid.

It was not to be though, with Bernd Schuster's side staying well ahead of the chasing pack with a 2-0 victory at the Vicente Calderon.

"It was a day in which Madrid could have lost some points, but it was more important that we won," added Krkic.

Barca president Joan Laporta also felt taking three points from the clash against sixth-placed Racing was the most vital thing, and he remains confident they can close the gap on Real.

"It is vital we carry on picking up points and do not allow Madrid to move away any more," said Laporta on his club's website.

"I am convinced that, sooner or later, we will cut Madrid's lead."