As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Xavi: I celebrate victory at PSG as a Barca fan; I'm very proud

Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with his players after their 3-2 Champions League win at PSG.

Barca were 2-1 down before Raphinha and Andreas Christensen struck for the quarterfinal first-leg win.

Xavi declared: "Yes, I think everything has gone very well. I would highlight the defensive issue. We have equaled PSG's defence. They also matched us. There were duels up top and Robert understood it very well and we left one-on-one duels with Lamine and Raphinha. The midfielders had to support. We have to be proud of how we have competed.

PSG is still the favourite, and they played a great game, but we minimised it. We have pressed very well. I am very proud of the team. It's a great victory against one of the best teams in the world. It is difficult to defend them and they have many attacking options. We are halfway there. It will be difficult in Barcelona.

“The players believe it, but nothing is done. The team has understood very well what had to be done. Barcelona is alive.

“We had spoken with Pedri that he would play for half an hour and he has been extraordinary. He has given us pause and calm. The pass has been extraordinary. In the second half we have to go out better, we can't go out like this. We had to mature more."

He also stated: “I am also another Barcelona fan. It's a great victory away from home, it hasn't happened in years, but it's not over. We have a very tough game left in Barcelona."

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free