Vilanova: “You can't beat anyone easily in the Champions League”

This Tuesday (18.00) FC Barcelona will have a new opportunity to qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Tito Vilanova, during today’s pre-match press conference, admitted that the game against Spartak is important but he also played down the importance of clinching qualification tomorrow. “Against Spartak we’ll try to win so that we can qualify but if we don’t win we still have a game at the Camp Nou.” FC Barcelona will close out the Champions League Group Stage at the Camp Nou on December 5 against Benfica.

The manager noted that there is no such thing as an easy game in the Champions League. “Yes, Russian teams have made it difficult for us in the past,” he said . He added: “These days you can’t beat anyone easily in the Champions League.”

“We know Emery’s teams well”

Vilanova doesn’t believe that the cold weather will affect his team’s performance tomorrow against Spartak. When asked about Emery's team, he said, "we know Unai Emery well and he’s always caused us difficulties. He’s a manager that always presents a very organized defence and offence.”

In addition, he explained that Barça’s Champions League group “is very tough and difficult. There are no easy games. We have a lot of respect for Spartak and I believe that it will be a hard game just like the one at the Camp Nou.”

Puyol and Deulofeu

Carles Puyol was named to the team after recovering from the injury he picked up against Benfica. Vilanova said that the captain “is important because of his defensive capabilities, but especially because of what he brings to the team.”

On Deulofeu, Vilanova recognised that “he’s making good progress but he still has a long way to go, we want him close to the first team.”