Goals from forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Ferran Jutglà secured FC Barcelona a spot in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey in a 2-1 comeback victory against Segunda División B side Linares Deportivo. Manager Xavi Hernandez, defender Dani Alves, and Jutglà spoke to the media following the match.
Here is what Xavi said:
About the victory
“I am happy for the second half and for being able to overcome this phase of the competition.”
“The triumph has been important. It has cost us a lot. It was difficult for us to understand the superiority and the final pass. We were better in the second half because they were more tired.”
About changes made in the second half
“Fresh people and faith. It was a matter of faith. It was a matter of calm and breathing and choosing the last pass. We could spend half an hour talking about tactics.”
“We were looking for superiorities. We knew it was going to be a difficult match. In the end, we were looking for more ball possession and protecting the wings. Playing with three behind was an unnecessary risk.”
About what he told the team at halftime
“I told them we could talk about tactics for three hours, but it was a matter of faith and believing it. At that point we were out of the tie. There are phases in which we have played well, but it was the logical thing to do.”
About Dembélé’s performance
“We needed him, and he responded. Football-wise, nothing to say. He was able to score a great goal to archive the game. There is nothing new about the renewal.”
About what his takeaways from the match
“We were better than the opposite, but it could happen to us either a silly expulsion for pride or an excess of relaxation for knowing ourselves better. We couldn’t lose this match. At first we trust each other, but then we fix it.”
Here is what Dani Alves said:
About making his debut for his second spell at Barça on Wednesday
“It is a very special day because of all that it means to wear this shirt again. Reliving moments in this competition has been very magical.”
About the win
“Only those who fight win, and we have done it. We were able to score more goals, but we are satisfied.”
“We know that the Cup is a competition that if you are not at the level you can get surprises. But I think we were the ones who put the game and the chances, but it’s the magic of the Cup. We had to win in my second debut. We had to win. They couldn’t let me down, and in the end, with a lot of personality and honesty, we have achieved it.”
About playing in the midfield instead of as a fullback
“I think it is a position that I dominate. I have played in that position many times, and the teammates, who have a lot of quality, they make things easier.”
About what he can bring on the field for Barça
“I try to help my teammates, and I have to go climbing to improve as a team and to have that spirit of competition and be mentally strong.”
Here is what Jutglà said:
About his performance against Linares
“I am very happy to help the team and to do what the coach asks me to do. I am at the disposal of Barça for whatever they need.”
About the difference between the first and second halves
“It is a very complicated field. They came out very strong, perhaps a little stronger than us. They told us things to our faces in the first half, and, after the break, we gave our best version.”
About scoring his third goal for Barça
“The coach talks about interpreting a lot of the game. I saw Nico, I separated a little from my marker, and, after passing in front of him, I scored.”
