Alexis looks ahead to 'difficult' second leg as Leverkusen boss Dutt laments showing Barcelona 'too much respect'

The German boss admitted defeat as the home side suffered a night to forget with Guardiola's men running riot, while Sanchez and Busquets expressed joy with their dominant display

14 Feb 2012 23:52:00

By Matthew Woodward

More On :  Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Alexis Sánchez, Robin Dutt, Sergio Busquets Burgos, Bayer Leverkusen vs Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt reveals his side showed Barcelona too much respect during Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at the BayArena.

Don't Miss

The 47-year-old believes Leverkusen were not clinical enough as they watched the Catalan giants take full control in the first half, but feels his men gave a better account of themselves in the second period.

"Our defence was very good in the first half, but we showed them too much respect and didn’t move enough,” said Dutt to reporters.

“In the second half it was a completely different story. During the break I asked my players whether they wanted to participate or whether they wanted be the audience.

“In the second half we caused Barcelona some real problems."

Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez scored twice to propel the current European champions within reach of the quarter-finals, and claims his second strike was vital to ensure the lead.

However, the Chilean predicts a difficult return leg at Camp Nou, despite Leverkusen defender Vedran Corluka dubbing the tie over.

"Our second goal was really important and we managed to seal the game with a third,” Sanchez told reporters.

“We have started the tie in the right way, but we still have the home leg to play and we will not be relaxing."

Midfield anchor Sergio Busquets revealed the win gave his side a much needed confidence boost following a disappointing result against Ossuana last weekend.

"This result will give us a lot of confidence. We'll be looking for another victory at home now to finish the tie off," the 23-year-old said.

"We had to get over the disappointment of that first half against Osasuna last Saturday and we've started to do that with a good performance here tonight."

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  3. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms

    The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield