Barcelona would have breathed a huge sigh of relief at the full time whistle on Tuesday as they picked up an excellent comeback victory over Porto – a result that secures their place in the Champions League knockout stages.
It has been a tough few weeks for Barcelona, who have not been at their best for some time now, but this result could be a catalyst for things to turn around. Xavi Hernandez will hope so, and he assessed the victory over Porto post-match to the media (via Diario AS).
“After we fell behind, everything looked pretty bleak, but we had a winning mentality in many phases. In the second half we were much better, I’m happy, very happy today.”
Xavi also singles out Inaki Pena, standing in once again for the injured Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, for special praise, as he made several big saves during the match.
“Inaki Pena has been extraordinary. Not only with his saves, but also in the build-up. He has shown great personality.”
Barcelona and Xavi will hope that this result can be a springboard, and they will take more confidence into Sunday’s crunch showdown against Atletico Madrid.
BillyDedon
33
Xavi is not a good coach, our team is too slow, lack speed, intensity, physicality and a clear attacking tactics all they do is pass the ball sideways, backwards and send the ball to the wings and wait for individual qualities to win them games cause Xavi don't know what how to train them and this will effect us in those intense games in the Ucl and we will get embarrassed. This team is trash when ever they don't have the ball and it's bad cause you can't dominate the game all the time. Watch Barcelona play nowadays can easily make you fall asleep too many back passes and no clear attacking pattern and when ever we don't have the ball we are awful in shape and discipline. We really need a top coach if not with all this weakness, when he face top team with enough quality we will collect big time.