OMNISPORT

Luis Enrique said Barcelona is "where we expected" with La Liga set to begin Aug. 21 and hailed the club's improved defensive performance in a 3-0 friendly win over Roma.

Barca had yet to keep a clean sheet in preseason before Wednesday's match against Roma at Camp Nou, having lost three of four International Champions Cup fixtures over the past month.

But back on home soil and with the likes of Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi involved, Luis Enrique's side was much improved.

"We were much better than earlier this preseason ... that's the goal," Luis Enrique said. "You cannot win anything without being rock solid on defense."

Luis Enrique added that the team "is where we expected at this stage," although he expects further improvement before the opening match of the club's league defense against Athletic Bilbao on Aug. 23.