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FC Barcelona will take the sphere at Estadio da Luz for the second time this season as they face off in opposition to SL Benfica within the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16 conflict on Wednesday.
The Blaugrana beforehand confronted the Portuguese outfit at their residence floor within the league section and ended up 5-4 winners in an exciting encounter.
Hansi Flick & co. will probably be hoping for one more win, however in rather more comfy circumstances than their final go to to Lisbon.
Forward of the large recreation tomorrow, Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi addressed the media as a part of the press convention, discussing a number of issues together with his speedy rise on the membership.
Kicking issues off, Cubarsi touched on the 5-4 win in opposition to Benfica earlier this season, saying that the crew can’t afford to concede so many targets.
“It was difficult as we noticed, we gave up a variety of probabilities. We’ve got to strive to not concede targets,” {the teenager} stated.
The teenager then spoke concerning the assist system from the membership and inside the dressing room for children like him coming by means of the academy, saying:
“I’ve shared the dressing room with individuals from La Masia, however the combine with the veterans generates a optimistic power. The assist from Barça is a supply of delight.”
Discussing his partnership with Inigo Martinez on the coronary heart of the Barcelona defence this season, Cubarsi famous: “I’ve performed virtually all season with him, however I’m very comfy with everybody.”
On whether or not issues change with regard to the high-line when he performs with Ronald Araujo in defence, he stated:
“It doesn’t change, whoever goes out on the pitch should know what to do. We’re targeted on doing effectively.”
On Barcelona’s probabilities of profitable the Champions League this season, Cubarsi acknowledged that it’s a childhood dream for him.
“I’ve been dreaming about it since I used to be a child, it’s one thing I need to obtain, now it’s time to benefit from the second and attempt to do effectively,” he stated.
Pau Cubarsi has change into a mainstay for Barcelona. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)
Cubarsi made his Barcelona debut in January final yr and has since gone on to win his first trophy with the membership – the Spanish Tremendous Cup this season whereas he additionally not too long ago scored his first aim for the senior crew.
On being requested to call the perfect factor he has skilled since his debut, the teenager stated:
“Debuting, profitable the Tremendous Cup and scoring are a supply of delight. Profitable the primary title and the way we did it was spectacular.”
Speaking about his personal development over the previous yr, the 18-year-old famous: “Since my debut, which was an impressive night time, I’ve improved lots in all facets. Now I do know higher how the video games go. We’ve got to be targeted in each recreation.”
On the journey he has been on to date with fellow La Masia gem Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi stated: “We wouldn’t have believed it a few years in the past however we’re very grateful for what the membership has given us.”
{The teenager} additionally hailed the coaching he acquired at La Masia as a purpose for him having the ability to carry out at this degree, saying:
“I’ve already stated that it’s a college that trains us to be good footballers, like Puyol and Pique have been. From a younger age, we’re skilled for this.”
Barça’s current draw in opposition to Atletico Madrid the place they let in two late targets generated some debate concerning the crew’s recreation administration. Giving his ideas on it, he acknowledged:
“It’s a must to know easy methods to play the video games. Towards Atletico within the Copa, we have been unfortunate to concede two targets on the finish. Right here there’s a second leg and you must give the whole lot from the beginning.”
Speaking about Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored a hat-trick within the final recreation vs Barcelona, Cubarsi stated: “He’s a high quality participant who can damage us, nevertheless it’s not simply him. There are extra.”
Persevering with about what makes Benfica a menace, he added: “They’ve an awesome assault and we’ve got to watch out that they don’t damage us as a lot as within the earlier recreation.
“They performed an awesome first half within the different recreation, we have been capable of flip it round, however we’ve got to attempt to be targeted from the beginning.”
Stressing on the significance of acting at the perfect on this stretch of the season, Cubarsi stated:
“‘The important thing a part of the season is starting, when the titles are at stake, we need to proceed on this good dynamic.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
