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'Copa del Rey tie is not over, Real Madrid will keep fighting,' says Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola
The Catalan boss has stressed that there is still much to do against his team's eternal rivals, and has stressed that the Blaugrana must now concentrate on their Liga obligations.
Jan 18, 2012 7:13:00 PM
By Martin Macdonald
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has emphasized that there is still plenty of football to be played in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid, after watching his side pull off a vital 2-1 away victory at Santiago Bernabeu.
Barca returns to La Liga action this weekend with a home game against Malaga, while Madrid travels to Athletic Bilbao.
A goal each from Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal canceled out Cristiano Ronaldo's early strike to give the Catalan side a narrow advantage going in to the second leg next week, but the Catalan coach has disputed any suggestions that his side have a big advantage.
He stated that the club's focus now goes back to league duty for the time being.
"We knew we had to score, but the tie isn't over - Madrid always keep on fighting. Now focus on league game in four days," Guardiola told reporters.
The match was shrouded in controversy, mostly surrounding Real Madrid's Pepe, who arguably should have been sent off after a series of strong challenges and off the ball incidents. Guardiola, however, refused to comment on the situation.
He stated that the club's focus now goes back to league duty for the time being.
"We knew we had to score, but the tie isn't over - Madrid always keep on fighting. Now focus on league game in four days," Guardiola told reporters.
The match was shrouded in controversy, mostly surrounding Real Madrid's Pepe, who arguably should have been sent off after a series of strong challenges and off the ball incidents. Guardiola, however, refused to comment on the situation.
"Pepe?" he said. "Players talked about it, but I didn't see what happened. It seems it was clear on television."
The Portuguese had appeared to stamp on the hand of Lionel Messi, but the referee did not see the incident, leaving Blaugrana players incensed.
Barca returns to La Liga action this weekend with a home game against Malaga, while Madrid travels to Athletic Bilbao.
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