Barcelona continued their Unbeaten run in all competitions after seventeen-year-old sensation Marc Guiu scored a goal under a minute in his debut against Athletic Club. He scored the only goal of the game and was name La Liga Player of the match. This win helped Barca move within a point of league leaders Real Madrid.
Shakhtar Donetsk on the other hand won 3-0 in the Ukrainian league last weekend. They started their UCL campaign with a 3-1 loss to Porto but later went in to get all three points against Antwerp. A game against Barca will always be a challenge for any team so a world class display would be needed to cause any stir in the UCL.
Here is what Ferran Torres had to say ahead of the game;
Ferran on the Clasico: I am not thinking of the Clasico. We have a game against Shakhtar and that’s all I am thinking about.
Ferran on Pedri: He needs to focus on coming back but without rushing things.
Ferran on being a starter: For me it doesn’t matter whether I start or come in from the bench, I try to take advantage of every minute I get.
Ferran continues: We have a lot of injuries but I think I am ready to take a step forward.
Ferran on the youngsters: I am twenty three but I already feel like a veteran in a dressing room like this with so many youngsters.
Ferran on Marc Guiu: I am very happy for him, he came in and scored a few seconds later.
Ferran on Xavi: he always gave me confidence, good advice and made me okay. I have a lot of things to improve and I am already working on it.
Here’s what Xavi had to say ahead of the game;
Xavi: The game will be a crucial game, getting all three points will give us so much confidence going forward. It will not be an easy game.
Xavi on Pedri: He is working on his recovery, let’s see when he will return. Just like I said before it depends on his feelings.
Xavi on the referees: I don’t think it is a good thing to put pressure in the referees. Sometimes they get it wrong but we should try to help them instead of attacking them.
Xavi continues: Ancelotti is right, you can’t say what you want about the referees because they will suspend you. The referees should explain their decisions at the end of the games to make more clarity.
Xavi on injuries: we have to keep going, this should not be an excuse.
Xavi on Gundogan: He adapted really fast and is now playing at a very high level. He will be key considering all the injuries.
Xavi on Shakhtar: I have a lot of respect for Shakhtar. They are being coached by a very good former right back in Darijo Srna and we’re looking forward to play against them.
Xavi on the youngsters: The fact we have so many youngsters in our team shows that we are doing things right in the youth department.
Xavi on Marc Guiu: He made the list for tomorrow. We’ll see if ehe can make his debut tomorrow in the Champions League.
End of Xavi’s press conference.