Despite losing to Celtic, the Argentine noted that Barça remain group leaders with two matches left on the schedule
“We did everything right but the ball didn’t go in,” said Messi after the match
Spartak falls to Benfica (2-0)
Tito Vilanova’s next challenge in the Champions League will be Spartak Moscow, who also lost this evening. Benfica defeated Unai Emery’s team by 2-0, condemning the Russian side to the bottom of Group G. Currently Barça sit atop the table with 9 points, Celtic are second with 7, followed by Benfica with 4, and finally Spartak with 3.
Leo Messi, who scored Barça’s only goal against Celtic on Wednesday, said: “We’re still in first place in the group, we’re not worried.” The Argentine also noted that “I think we did a good job, we created chances but the ball didn’t go in.” Messi concluded his post-match interview by analysing Celtic’s approach to the match: “The same thing happened at the Camp Nou. They played defensively and they waited to make fast counterattacks. They are very comfortable on corners and set pieces, and that’s how they scored their two goals.”
Statements made by FC Barcelona players after the match:
Cesc Fàbregas:
“There is no such thing as injustice or justice in football. You have to win and that’s it. We lacked depth, we had our chances and they scored on the chances they had.”
“We have to continue with our style of play, we’re very pleased with the season that we’re having.”
“We have two games left and we’ll try to win them.”
Jordi Alba
“If we hadn’t had the chances we created I wouldn’t be leaving with the feeling I have, but it’s time to focus on our next match.”
“We’re coming up against teams that close themselves off at the back and we’re finding it difficult to get into the opposing team’s area, but we’re not worried about it.”
“The match allowed for the right and left backs to push forward. Each day I’m feeling better and more comfortable when I go forward.”
“They created chances on set pieces because they know we’re not a very tall team, but we also created a lot of chances but their keeper was brilliant.”
Marc Bartra
“We didn’t score from the chances we created, they were very effective; that’s what was in their favour.”
“We have to move on and keep on working. We have to be optimistic knowing that we’re group leaders.”