Tito Vilanova chose to focus on the positives from a ‘crazy’ game at the Riazor, that saw his 10 man Barcelona run out 5-4 winners over Deportivo.
A Lionel Messi hat-trick contributed to a topsy-turvy encounter on Saturday evening that Coach Vilanova did his best post-match to sum up.
“I think we had control of the ball, we played as I had not seen Barcelona play,” mused the tactician.
“We had played a very controlled game in the first part, playing at a high tempo and we had the chance to go 4-0 up.
“Then we were penalised for the penalty that you can say was and was not one. Then came 2-4, the red card…the game could not have been crazier.
“Having won everything that they won, it is admirable what these players have done. Messi came back from a trip of many many hours and has run a lot.”
The Coach was probed for his opinion on the refereeing in the match that saw Depor awarded a first-half penalty and Javier Mascherano later sent off.
“In four years with the first team I do not remember playing as often with 10 men. It happened at the Bernabeu and again here. I do not want to talk about the referee.
“I say that people can see things on their TV. Yes I surprised for the goal and the yellow card shown to [Fabregas] on the bench for celebrating.
Vilanova also explained his substitutions during the second half.
“We were down to 10 and away at Depor. This is why we got Pedro to play on the wing and Adriano as an extra defender and for Xavi, to hold our position, to have more control, things that could help us. Cesc was still pushing forward, but we were down to 10 men. He played a great game, but sometimes we need other things.”
