Barcelona’s Champions League marketing campaign noticed them end second of their group after a 2-2 draw towards Atalanta.
Raphinha, reflecting on the consequence, acknowledged that the workforce all the time goals to win however emphasised the standard of their opponents.
Atalanta’s robust defence and skill to capitalise on possibilities made the match a difficult one. Whereas a victory eluded them, securing some extent was essential in cementing their place in second place.
“We all the time play with the aim of successful, however you must take a look at the standard of our opponents.
“Atalanta defended very effectively and scored after they had possibilities. We completed the primary part glad and now we’ve our sights set on the League,” he started saying.
Reflecting on doable opponents
Raphinha performed a superb sport. (Picture by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photographs)
Raphinha additionally talked about the unpredictability of the brand new Champions League format, which has seen heavyweight groups like Actual Madrid, PSG, and Manchester Metropolis needing play-offs to achieve the Spherical of 16.
“With this new format, we knew that it may occur to anybody, it was the flip of others and we’re targeted on our personal.
“Now we’ve to attend for the draw, however there may be nonetheless a protracted method to go and we’ve our minds on the League,” he added.
Lamine Yamal’s anger
Lamine Yamal was not glad along with his substitution. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
Talking on Lamine’s seen frustration after being substituted, Raphinha shared his understanding. He acknowledged that as a aggressive participant, Lamine all the time desires to be on the pitch.
Drawing from his personal previous experiences of feeling equally, Raphinha expressed his admiration for the younger expertise’s willpower and progress.
“I perceive Lamine, he’s a spectacular participant who all the time desires to be on the pitch. I’ve already gotten indignant many occasions, I attempt to assist him, I perceive it… However he has carried out very effectively and he has scored.”
Ronald Araujo’s take
Ronald Araujo was on the scoresheet towards Atalanta. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
Defender Ronald Araujo additionally shared his ideas post-match. The Uruguayan centre-back expressed no particular choice for his or her opponent within the subsequent Champions League spherical, sustaining confidence within the workforce’s readiness.
“No matter opponent we face, we shall be prepared. We’ve an amazing workforce.”
Araujo additionally mirrored on his restoration journey from harm, highlighting the hassle put into staying match and match-ready. His affected person method, guided by discussions with the supervisor, has paid off, permitting him to contribute absolutely as soon as once more.
“I’m very glad. We additionally labored onerous after I was injured with movies. I’m doing effectively, I’m glad. I used to be by no means in a rush. I all the time talked to the supervisor about taking issues little by little,” he famous.
Barcelona now look forward, with their sights set firmly on each home and European success. The workforce’s resilience and adaptableness shall be key as they navigate the rest of the season.