Messi: “We remained calm”

After fighting back from a one-goal deficit at El Sadar with a second-half brace from Leo Messi (1-2), the FC Barcelona players highlighted the importance of winning away from the Camp Nou. “We found the way to respond to their goal, we were able to play from behind and we didn’t lose our heads. Luckily, the goals came,” said Leo Messi.

Like the rest of this team-mates, the Argentine forward highlighted the difficulty of winning the three points at El Sadar. “It’s always hard for us to win here. Tito Vilanova warned us of that before the match,” Messi added.

Positive start to the season

The forward also noted that the team have started off on the right foot in La Liga: “what’s truly important is that we stay on this course, we have to keep on winning. We knew that it would be difficult to play here and, luckily, I scored again.”

Focusing on the next match

The Azulgranas will leave Navarre with three more points in La Liga, but before they set their sights on the next domestic league match, they must focus on the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup. The game away to Real Madrid is scheduled to kick off at 22.30 on Wednesday the 29th. “It will be very difficult against Real Madrid, a very tough match,” Messi said.

Here are the statements made by the FC Barcelona players after tonight’s match:

Sergio Busquets:

“It’s a difficult stadium to play in because of the team Osasuna have, because of how they play and because of the fans. We won three very important points.”

On the play that ended with Tito Vilanova’s expulsion: “I think it was a clear foul. He knocked my knee.”

Pedro Rodríguez:

“It was a difficult match, it’s always hard to win here. Osasuna are a rival that pressure high up the pitch and they leave you very little room to develop your play. It was a hard-fought victory, and we’re happy that we were able to mount a comeback.”

“We weren’t lucky in the first half, but in the second we were able to create goalscoring chances... luckily Leo Messi scored twice.”

“The players are physically fit, but we only just started. We’re working well and we hope to continue on form.”

“I feel great. I want to continue like this so I can help my team-mates.”

On the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup: “Now we have to face a very difficult opponent ... we have to prepare well for the game.”

Andrés Iniesta:

“It’s always difficult to play at this stadium. Osasuna are a very dangerous rival. The create goalscoring chances from a throw in or a free kick. We know what it’s like to play here, but in the end we won the three points. We’re pleased that we won.”

Jordi Alba:

“The managers and the fans have welcomed me with open arms. I’m very pleased with how I’ve transitioned into the team.”