SM
Brighton vs. Man City: 3 hrs 2 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
BL
Champions League | Round of 16
Feb 16, 2021 at 8pm UK
Camp Nou
PL

Barcelona
1 - 4
PSG

Messi (27' pen.)
FT(HT: 1-1)
Mbappe (32', 65', 85'), Kean (70')
Gueye (20')

Ronald Koeman pleased with Barcelona's current form

:Headline: Ronald Koeman pleased with Barcelona's current form: ID:435167: from db_amp
Barca turned in an impressive display in a 5-1 rout of Alaves before they host Paris St German in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman said his side's current form bodes well for next week's Champions League tie against Paris St Germain.

The Catalans turned in an impressive display in a 5-1 rout of Alaves on Saturday and Koeman said they are building momentum in time for Tuesday night's round-of-16 clash at Camp Nou.

"The team is doing well," Koeman was quoted by Marca. "We're confident we'll be able to win the tie (against PSG), knowing that we played against a strong defensive unit (in Alaves).

"They have injuries, but so do we. The tie is evenly matched. We have to play well to go through.

"We're in a good run of form, with a good streak of wins. We're confident."

Lionel Messi marked his club record-equalling 505th appearance with two goals against Alaves, while there was also a double for Francisco Trincao on his first LaLiga start.

Junior Firpo added a fifth goal late on as Barca made it seven straight league wins.

"Messi is very important," Koeman said. "He's in fantastic form. We know he's decisive – he has been for a long time.

"He's very focused. He's happy. He's effective. With him, everything is easier."

Teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba made his LaLiga debut and laid on Francisco Trincao's first goal in an impressive first half.

But the 18-year-old was at fault for Luis Rioja's goal for Alaves early in the second period.

"It's important that he's being critical," Koeman said after Moriba had apologised for his mistake.

"He misplaced a square ball that you can't misplace. He has to improve."

Moriba expressed his "dream" of playing alongside his idol Messi during the victory.

"I'm always thinking about the last thing and I have that mistake in my head," Moriba said. "But I had a good game, I'm happy to have helped with the assist and I'm very happy.

"I was picking up my head and seeing Leo (Messi) and (Antoine) Griezmann – it was all a dream. It was all brilliant.

"(Messi) is lots of players' idol. Everyone that knows something about football knows that he's the best in the world and I'm thankful for the passes he gave me.

"I'll remember everything. I'll never forget anything. All I need now is to be able to play in front of the fans, with them here cheering us on."

amp_article__435167 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2021-02-14 08:38:46:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 23:16:55 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Read more!

Click here for more stories about Ronald Koeman

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .