Xavi: “We were superior, we dominated but we didn't finish the match off"

Three of the four Barça captains believe the game was “difficult” despite the many chances the Catalan team enjoyed.

The tie will be decided at the Camp Nou, where Puyol believes that the fans “will be with the team from the first minute”.

The goalless draw at the San Siro means that the Champions League quarter-final tie will be decided at the Camp Nou this Tuesday. “We had many chances to score. We tried with long possessions but we weren’t able to capitalise on the chances we created. It’s a shame,” said Víctor Valdés. Carles Puyol added that Milan is a team with “dangerous players” and that the game “was very difficult.” According to Xavi, his team was “superior, we dominated the game but we didn't finish off the match.”

“We shouldn’t look for excuses”

The referee decisions throughout the match were controversial for the players on the pitch. Puyol added that during a corner kick he was held back by his mark: “I broke free but I noticed that someone was grabbing my shirt. I pointed it out to the referee and he told me that it wasn’t a penalty. However, we cannot look for excuses. We have to play well, refereeing is very difficult.” Along the same lines, Víctor Váldes considers that “the referee is the man the makes the decisions” and that everything will become “more clear in the replays.”

Puyol also said the San Siro pitch is another factor to consider: “The pitch appeared to be in good condition but it was slippery during training and during the game. These things happen.”

“It will be one of the best matches”

“It’s always important to score away from home but now it’s time to work hard and, especially, defend well. Like the boss says, if we have to play with nine defenders we will, but we have to win,” said Valdés. Puyol called upon the Camp Nou faithful to attend next Tuesday’s match: “It will be one of the best games. They are aware of what is at stake and I’m sure they’ll be with us from the first minute.”

Here are some of the statements made by Barça players after the match:

Mascherano: “The pitch was a problem in the stadium and it affects other teams.

“It’s the result that we finished with, I believe that we deserved more. If we play next week’s match like today, I’m sure we’ll go through.”

Messi: “It was a difficult match be we have to win.

“We played our game but it was difficult because of the pitch and because they are very strong.

“It’s a dangerous situation. Either team could go through, we hope we can score so it will be us. We deserved to win.”(via FCBarcelona.com)