Andrés Iniesta: Honour playing with Messi

Andrés Iniesta: Honour playing with Messi

“The great thing about Leo is that he never stops surprising you," says Barça captain Ivan Rakitic: There is still a long way to go

FC Barcelona captain Andrés Iniesta was one of the players to give his reactons to the press following the epic 3-2 victory in the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. “It was a match with a bit of everything, stages where we were in control, others where we were in too much of a hurry to attack. These games are difficult here and there were chances for both teams but in the end we got the winner in added time to leave very happy, it couldn’t be any other way. We have achieved our objective, we have a chance and we have to take it,” said the midfielder.

“These matches are brilliant for the fans, chances for both teams. We are very happy because it was not easy after being knocked out [of the Champions League] the other day. It wasn’t easy to be back for this kind of fixture but we did it.”

Iniesta could not hide his admiration for a certain team mate of his. “The great thing about Leo is that he never stops surprising you. After so many years he continues to be the difference. For us it is an honour and a blessing for the Club,” said the captain of Messi.

Other comments from the Barça players after the win in Madrid:

Ivan Rakitic:

“You could see that four days ago both of us had tough games in the Champions League, you could tell by the pace. In the end we were able to win, and without taking anything away from Real Madrid, I think we deserved it.”

“No team, no player or fan is surprised by Leo Messi. He is history in football.”

c each team and each game will bring things, at the top and the bottom [of the table]. It will be tough but we have to continue. At the moment we want to enjoy it and prepare for the next game.”

Marc-André Ter Stegen:

"Messi was important as always, making the difference. There is not much else you can say about Messi, he is a special player. I am so happy for him, I congratulate him for his 500 goals. I don’t know whether to say he will score 500 more, but rather that he continues in the same way."

"There were five goals, but we were both very good. In the other part of the field, there was a keeper who saved a lot. They lost, but I would also like to congratulate him (Keylor Navas). For my first game at the Bernabéu it wasn’t bad. We are more than happy. Especially as a team, because we put in a great effort after a tough week. We must continue in this way to have a chance of winning the league.”

Gerard Piqué:

“I believe the result was deserved, because winning at the Bernabéu is very difficult. Even though you might play well, you might not end up winning. I have fantastic memories at this ground. Tonight we were the better team. We witnessed a great spectacle, where we were superior and we have gone top (of La Liga).”

“Leo’s 500th goal had to be a special moment, as is he. I hope he retires in many years.”

Jordi Alba:

“It was the very last move of the game. We took the ball out of defence, Sergi went on a run, then passed to André, I moved in and spotted Leo, and it came off to perfection. He always scores and it means the rest of us get more assists. It was a great goal.”
“We know that Madrid are good on the wings, that they’re very dangerous, but we are also strong in defence. When Madrid scored, the fans seemed to think it was over, but Barça brought out the pride that you need to get through games like this.”

Luís Suárez:

“It’s time to enjoy beating a direct opponent, Madrid. It’s time to enjoy the best player in the world and of all time. He keeps showing that in the most important games, which is when you really see him. It’s admirable. Our destiny still isn’t in our hands, but they’re under pressure to win every game, because we aim to do the same.”

Sergi Roberto:

“It was a very important game for us. We knew we could gain ground on them and that’s what’s happened. We can go back to Barcelona feeling very happy. I think we can go on to win all our remaining games. We can take a lot of confidence from this. We’ll need to work hard on the games we have left. We’ll try to win them all. We’ll fight until the end.” 

 

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Força Barça

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