This Tuesday night was a memorable one for FC Barcelona as the Catalans qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after winning against Napoli in the Round of 16.
The Catalans came out 3-1 winners in the second leg after the first leg had ended with a 1-1 draw. Thus, Xavi’s men were able to get a comfortable 4-2 scoreline on aggregate and were also the dominant team on the pitch.
The Barcelona captain, Sergi Roberto was one of the most influential players on the pitch in this second leg, as he provided the assist for Barcelona’s third goal, which was finished by Robert Lewandowski.
As SPORT has reported, the midfielder also spoke to the media after the match and analysed Barcelona’s qualification to the next round in the UCL. Regarding the win, the captain said:
“Incredible night. Four years without being where we deserve to be and where this club has to be. The fans are very important to us.”
While Barcelona were the home side, the Catalans were not really playing at their actual home stadium, and Roberto could not help but notice the difference:
“Even with a lot of atmosphere, the Camp Nou is very different, but we thank the fans, because we need this atmosphere.”
The captain also shared how happy he was for contributing to the victory: “In Naples, we already had a very good first half and we lacked finishing. It’s normal for a team like Napoli to score against you, but I’m happy to contribute with the third goal.”
Further commenting on his assist, Roberto said: “I could have shot, but I saw that Robert was alone. Happy with this assist.”
Lastly, the captain also joined the long list of individuals who have praised Pau Cubarsi in the last few days:
“Cubarsí is incredible. He has been the best player of the match and never ceases to amaze us. To play with this tranquility in the quarterfinals… he is a player to have for life at the club. When it is said that Barça is ‘more than a club,’ it is for this, for giving opportunities to players of this caliber.”
Sergi Roberto showed his character and experience in a match with very high stakes. Such performances from him in the coming months can help Barcelona go far in their pursuit of La Liga and the Champions League, and can also help him remain for another season at the club.
