La Liga week 14: FC Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid
FC Barcelona thought they had done the most difficult part when Suarez gave the 1-0 lead in El Clasico, but a late equalizer from defender Sergio Ramos spoiled the evening for the host team as FC Barcelona remains six points behind Real Madrid.
Coach FC Barcelona, Enrique, thinks his team deserved to win:
“It is not the best result for us. It was a very even first half and a second that we were better, we created chances. We continued looking for the second to avoid being leveled, but we were unable to do so. In the second half, we were the better side, but we didn’t manage to get the second (goal) and they ended up equalizing. That said, we deserved to win.
In the first half we saw two good teams trying to control the ball, an equal duel without real chances, with a lot of tension and evenness. The second was different, we created chances, we took the lead via a set play, and then we continued having the ball, wanting the second goal and controlling the game. Madrid, in a very characteristic play from them, drew level, and we paid the price for not killing the game with the chances we had.
Football often brings up this kind of situation, it is not justice or injustice, they equalized in the 90th minute and continue six points ahead. We were unable to cut the margin.
In my opinion, the performance of the team was higher than that of the rival, but we have to improve, it is clear. I say this even when we win, and even when we draw. We can improve in all aspects of the game: offensive, defensive … We are ambitious.”
Coach Real Madrid, Zidane, is happy with the outcome and his team’s perseverance:
“We have to highlight the spirit shown by this team yet again, the way we worked together and the belief we showed until the end to clinch this important point. I don’t know whether or not it’s fair, but it’s the way it’s gone. It’s a point, we keep picking them up, and in the first half we had chances to hurt them.
They scored their goal in the second half, we let up a bit and they grew in confidence. It’s a point but it doesn’t feel like a win. We can be very happy with how we played against a very tough opponent. Now we have to rest up because we’ve got another match in no time at all.”
On Ramos
“It doesn’t surprise me anymore. It’s the way he is. He’s got real personality and you can always count on him in these games. He never lets his head drop and he’s motivated until the final minute. It’s great for us”.
