Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Barcelona midfielder Pedri delivered an excellent efficiency in opposition to Benfica, proving to be essentially the most influential participant on the pitch.
His tireless work fee and skill to dictate the tempo had been essential in serving to the crew safe a hard-fought victory within the first leg of the Champions League spherical of 16. T
he match grew to become considerably tougher after Pau Cubarsi was despatched off within the twenty first minute, forcing Barcelona to play with ten males for almost all of the sport.
Regardless of being a person down, Barcelona remained organised, profiting from the few possibilities they created.
Pedri acknowledged the crew’s resilience, highlighting the dedication proven to defend and capitalise on scoring alternatives.
“What the crew achieved at the moment after the sending off may be very meritorious.
“At present we knew find out how to defend and reap the benefits of the alternatives we had with Raphinha (scorer of Barça’s aim ), Lamine and Robert,” stated the midfielder after the sport.
On Cubarsi’s purple card
Pau Cubarsi was despatched off in opposition to Benfica (Photograph by Gualter Fatia/Getty Pictures)
The dismissal of Cubarsí altered the dynamics of the sport, however Pedri identified a controversial second earlier than the incident.
He steered that there might have been a foul dedicated by the Greek striker on Frenkie de Jong earlier than the sending-off, which may have modified the course of occasions.
Nonetheless, Barcelona had no alternative however to regulate to the state of affairs and concentrate on securing the end result. “We consider that the striker dedicated a foul earlier than.”
On Aljenadro Balde
Pedri stated Alejandro Balde was drained. (Photograph by Gualter Fatia/Getty Pictures)
The bodily calls for of the match had been evident, with a number of gamers visibly fatigued. Alejandro Balde was struggling in the direction of the top, and even Pedri himself admitted to feeling the pressure.
Nevertheless, he understood the significance of giving all the things till the ultimate whistle, figuring out that defending the lead was important for the second leg.
“Balde appeared exhausted and I used to be beginning to really feel a bit overwhelmed, however I knew I needed to run as quick as anybody as a result of we needed to maintain the rating for the return match,” he defined.
Ideas on Szczesny
Wojciech Szczesny placed on an excellent efficiency. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Whereas Pedri was a standout performer, one other key determine within the victory was Wojciech Szczesny. The goalkeeper produced a outstanding show, making eight essential saves to maintain Barcelona forward.
His efficiency was a big enchancment from his earlier outing on the similar venue, the place issues had not gone in his favour.
“It was his greatest sport, the final time we performed right here, issues didn’t go nicely for him and at the moment he saved many possibilities for us, particularly firstly of the match. He’s very nice between the sticks.”
Wanting ahead to the return leg
Pedri was sensational in opposition to Benfica. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
Looking forward to the second leg at Montjuïc, Pedri acknowledged that the job is just half accomplished.
Whereas the crew is happy with the end result, the main focus now shifts to ending the duty at dwelling and making certain qualification for the following spherical.
“We’re glad with at the moment’s sport however the different half of the work stays, we have now to win at dwelling and get by the tie,” he concluded.
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
