Tata Martino agreed with Cesc Fabregas’ assertion that Barcelona’s 1-0 win at Celtic was the team’s ‘most complete game’ of the season so far.
La Blaugrana dominated possession in this Champions League clash at Celtic Park on Tuesday, but struggled to find a way through goal.
Celtic had the clearest attempts on target midway through the second half, just minutes before Fabregas popped up at the other end for the decisive header to win the game.
“We had the majority of possession and controlled the game well,” reflected Martino post-match.
“At the beginning we couldn't find a clear rhythm but afterwards, in the second half, we were a lot calmer.
“Our opponents had last year's game in their minds and they tried to do the same things tonight, like putting [Georgios] Samaras up front and not as a left-sided attacker.
“We played a complete game with consistency over the 90 minutes. I agree with Cesc Fabregas who said it was perhaps our most complete game of the season in terms of how we performed as a team.
“It's impossible not to miss [Lionel] Messi. There are times, in situations like these, that we have to stand up, look to put in a good display and look to win. That's pretty much what we did tonight.”
Scott Brown was sent off on the hour mark for a kick into Neymar’s back. The Brazilian was subsequently booed by the home crowd for the rest of the game.
“The people reacted as they did. The red card was good. The referee saw it. I could not see the action, but I valued the reaction of my players.
“Neymar had enough personality to continue. I have no doubt about what he brings to the team. Players that unbalance as he does are very necessary.”
