Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman thanked his players after their stunning 6-1 win at Real Sociedad.

The Catalans cut Atletico Madrid's lead at the top of the table to four points on Sunday, overtaking Real Madrid in the process, with a 6-1 win over Real Sociedad.

"Every game is difficult," Koeman - who turned 58 this Sunday - said at full time.

"For us and for [Atletico]. Real Madrid are there too.

"It's going to be exciting until the end of the season.

"I now hope all the players can return from the break without problems.

"They have given me a great birthday present, while it has also been a great birthday for Jordi Alba and Antoine Griezmann."

Barcelona have now won five matches in a row in LaLiga Santander and the coach was asked if they are the best team in the league at the moment.

"I don't know," Koeman said.

"We've gone a lot of games unbeaten, but we're still behind Atletico, who have also improved.

"We have to keep going. They're going to fight until the end."