Andrea Poli considered that Milan were close to a comeback against Barcelona on Wednesday evening, before Lionel Messi netted their third of the night.
The Catalans had eased into a 2-0 lead during the first half of this Champions League Group H meeting, only to see Gerard Pique’s own goal on the stroke of half-time invite Milan back into things.
“We knew that we were facing a great team that likes to keep the ball, but we defended well, tried to hit them on the break and were deservedly still in it at 2-1,” Poli reflected with Sky Sport Italia.
“Unfortunately the third goal knocked the wind out of our sails, as until then we had plenty of chances to get back into it.
“That I started? The Coach makes his decisions and everyone respects them. I was happy to play.
“Barcelona have played possession football for many years and the moment they lose the ball, two or three of them jump on you. They are very organised.
“It’s crucial not to make mistakes, but we could’ve made more of our counter-attacks, that is true.
“In the first half we were pegged back, but after the break we could have equalised and taken home a positive result.”
