Thiago: "Real Madrid will have to sweat to win La Liga"

After the victory against Zaragoza, the Azulgrana players agree: the La Liga title can be won and they will fight until the end to win it

Víctor Valdés, who saved a penalty, thanked the fans for their support. He also said that he’s always felt loved by Barça fans.



Three vital points won at La Romareda and two more games to go this week in La Liga. Before hosting Getafe at the Camp Nou this Tuesday, the Barça players analysed today’s victory over Zaragoza.

“We always have to work hard to win in this stadium. We managed to win three important points,” said Thiago Alcántara. The midfielder also talked about how his team reacted after Zaragoza’s opener: “we weren’t afraid at any moment. Luckily, a mistake from the keeper allowed us to equalise quickly.”

Clear message

Thiago also talked about the condition of the pitch. However, the handicap wasn’t enough to stop Barça from winning on week 32 of the La Liga, which also happens to be the ninth consecutive victory for Barça in the competition.

Finally, the La Masia graduate sent a clear message to the current league leaders: “Real Madrid will have to sweat if they want the league title.”

Here are the statements made be FC Barcelona players after today’s match:


Carles Puyol:

“We knew what was waiting for us: a very on-form Zaragoza. We had to work hard to win. These are three extremely valuable points.”

On Real Madrid’s match: “We’ve done our work, now we have to wait and see what happens, there’s a lot of Liga left.”


Dani Alves:

“Great victory, great work from my teammates. The show must go on.”


Cesc Fàbregas:

“It was a difficult match, the conditions weren’t optimal, but the team played with a lot of character - we deserved the victory.

“The conditions were difficult: the pitch, the wind and because we played against a rival that complicated the game. They’re playing for everything.

“It was a very hard-fought match. Despite it all, it’s a shame to play on a pitch like this, on such a dry field where the ball is so painfully slow.

“We had a lot of chances that we weren’t able to capitalise on.

“We weren’t expecting to be three points behind Real Madrid at this point in the competition, but there’s a lot of Liga still left to be played. They’re still favourites to win it.”


Víctor Valdés:

“It was a difficult, hard-fought match. The pitch was very dry and we had to carry the ball more than we would have liked.

“Saving a penalty is encouraging to the team, we fought back and it helped us a lot. I always try and study how our opponents shoot. I wasn’t on a particularly good streak, but luckily I saved the shot. I’m very pleased.

“We must do our work. Little by little the difference is getting smaller; now it’s Real Madrid’s turn to respond.

“We knew that Zaragoza is playing for their top-flight life. It was very difficult for us in the first half; both teams had chances to score.

“I’ve always felt very loved; I’m happy to hear the shouts of encouragement, they help a lot.

“The play that produced the penalty was a bit doubtful, but it’s respectable that the referee called it.”


Pedro Rodríguez:

“We knew that it was going to be a hard and difficult match. Zaragoza have been showing their real level of play these past couple of games. Moreover, they scored the first goal and it was hard to win the match.

“The goal has given me a lot of confidence. It’s always important for a striker to score goals. I was having a pretty bad goalless streak, but I have to thank Lionel Messi for the pass he game me. I’m very pleased with the victory.

“I dedicated my goal to Abidal.”

In reference to the low amount of goals he’s scored this season: “My teammates have been helping me along the way. The most important thing is that I’m feeling much better on the pitch.

“I’m very pleased with my form and with how the team is playing.

“There are a lot of points still left in play and we’ll fight until the end. We have to take it one step at a time.” (via FCBarcelona.cat)