Barca qualify, players happy
Barca qualify, players happy
Lionel Messi, Bojan and Victor Valdez all happy with a point, after a difficult game in France. Barcelona have been impressive in the Champions League this season and it continues to show.
In the home game, Barcelona truly outclassed Lyon, completely dominating the French champions, but the team they faced last night was vastly different in terms of confidence and ambition. Barca took the lead in the third minute of the game, an excellent counter attack being finished by Andres Iniesta, Bojan supplying the cross. Lyon hit back almost instantly, Juninho scoring accidentally from a free kick.
The game was rife in energy, both teams testing the opposition keepers and playing at a high tempo. Two second half penalties from both teams, Lionel Messi and Juninho respectively, finishing the game 2-2.
On the game, Lionel Messi said âOur objective was to qualify, and top of the group, and so I am happyâ.
âNot only did I face strong challenges, but my team-mates did too. They played very toughâ.
âI feel fine and the most important thing is the team is doing wellâ.
Bojan, who could become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer should he score started the game over Ronaldinho, and had this to say. âI am very happy with the way things are going. It was important to win, but at least we have qualifiedâ.
âI am very happy with the confidence I am receiving and want to make the most of the chances I am givenâ.
Valdez agreed with the others in saying âIt was very important to qualify top of the groupâ.
All three of the players had words of support for Ronaldinho, who found himself on the bench until the 70th minute of the game, Messi stating âIt was odd to see Ronaldinho on the bench because he is such an important player for us," and Bojan said âRonaldinho was on the bench today, but he is a great player and I am sure he will continue to demonstrate thatâ.
The players will now be looking to sunday in order to record a long overdue away win. Espanyol are enjoying one of their best periods as a team in years, playing good football and find themselves 4th in the league. They have already defeated Real Madrid at their home ground, and will have blood in their eyes when they face Barca this saturday. It should be a cracker.
