Barcelona secured a comeback 2-1 win over FC Porto on Tuesday night to secure their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
It was a much-needed win for the Blaugrana who had come under intense pressure after some of their recent performances had not met the desired level.
And even though they fell behind against the Portuguese champions, goals from the Portuguese duo of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix led them to a crucial victory.
Raphinha reacts to victory
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Brazilian winger Raphinha spoke about the pressure that was on Barcelona heading into the game, claiming that it is natural at a big club and that the Catalans are expected to win every time they step out on the pitch.
“Barcelona are a big club, so there is always pressure. People are used to Barcelona always winning and we have to realise that. We also want to win, but sometimes things do not go well. We are doing our best and I think the pressure is good for us to care more,” he said.
Raphinha started the game ahead of Lamine Yamal on the night and gave his everything on the pitch, something that the fans at Montjuic realised and applauded him for his efforts.
Talking about the appreciation he received from the supporters, the Brazilian said: “Because of what I did, and I think the audience understood that. Offensively, it was not a great match for me. I lost several balls, but defensively, this is something I care a lot about.
“In defence, I help the team a lot. I think I played a great match in general, and I think the audience understood that.”
At the same time, he insisted that he wishes to score his first UCL goal with Barça as early as possible, saying: “Obviously I can’t wait to score my first goal in the Champions League in this shirt.”
Kounde shows support for Xavi
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde also interacted with the media (h/t Mundo Deportivo) after the match and discussed several topics, while also showing his support to manager Xavi Hernandez, who had been under extra pressure coming into the game.
“We found him as always, with a lot of plans and even more than usual. He is a coach who gives you a lot, a lot of confidence, a lot of peace of mind and we are very happy with the work he is doing,” Kounde said of Xavi.
On the pressure that the team itself had to deal with ahead of the Porto clash, he added: “There was a lot of pressure from the outside within the group. We played bad matches recently, but we remain focused and motivated. That’s what made us win today.”
Talking about the game in general, the Frenchman said: “It was a difficult and open match. I think the result could have been greater given the opportunities we wasted.”
With qualification for the knockouts in the bag, Kounde stated the focus now shifts to La Liga, saying: “Now we can focus on La Liga, with two complicated matches ahead against Atletico Madrid and Girona.”
Talking about how Barça have ended up on the winning side in almost every match he has started, Kounde said:
“I think these are just statistics and I do not focus on them. I think we have to improve more. But I’m still very happy to be in the starting lineup and be able to help the team.”
On being played in his preferred centre-back position this term, he added: “I’m very happy to play as a centre-back. It’s the position I feel the most comfortable in.”
