Zubizarreta impressed with Barca

Andoni Zubizarreta revealed he was impressed with the professional way Barcelona dispatched Levante on Wednesday.

Tata Martino’s side progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 win on the night to seal a 9-2 aggregate victory, and the sporting director praised the performance of the players.

“It was a great result,” AS reports Zubizarreta as saying.

“It was a good test for Barcelona. We have been forced not to switch off.

“We played with concentration and with speed. The intensity we had was good.”

Alexis Sanchez scored two of Barca’s five goals and Zubizarreta believes the forward can be a potent attacking threat.

“Alexis has a lot of scoring ability, but so does the whole team. We finished well.”

Levante took the lead for the third consecutive meeting between the sides and did so again through a set-piece.

Zubi is not concerned, though, with the goals conceded from dead ball situations.

“It was unfortunate. Football is a game for making plans. We could man-mark from set-pieces. It might be an alternative.”

There was something of a sparse crowd at Camp Nou for the game but Zubizarreta preferred to thank those that did attend rather than worry about the empty seats.

“It’s very good to come to the stadium on a rainy night and after the result of the first-leg [which Barca won 4-1].

“Those who were here helped the team a lot and got to enjoy a win.”

Asked for his thoughts on the other game played on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid’s win over Athletic Bilbao, Zubizarreta largely deferred.

“They’ve both had good Copas and are both very strong. But I don’t mind what happens in that part of the draw.

“What worries me is Real Sociedad-Racing, which will provide our rival.

“La Real play good football and have shown their quality. Champions League aside, they’ve been good. It will be a difficult game if it happens.”

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