David Villa enthused at his first goal for Atletico Madrid but lamented that his efforts did not earn the team victory over former side Barcelona.
The striker scored a notable opener for Atleti at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana, in a game that the hosts had the better of, but still saw Barca leave with a draw, thanks to Neymar’s equaliser.
“I am happy for the goal, it is what has been asked of me,” reflected Villa post-match.
“I was able to put the team ahead but it is a shame that we could not win because we have worked and run against a great team to take what is perhaps a small reward.
“The tie is open and we now go there with the hope of trying to win.”
Villa believes that Sergio Busquets’ foul on him just after the hour mark to stop a counter-attack merited what would have been a second yellow card. The incident came with Atleti 1-0 up.
“What should have been the second yellow for Sergio was a key decision, especially with the pace of cards that we saw in the first half.
“It would have been important as we would have had an extra man and at 1-0. But referees are human and make mistakes.”
