Javier Mascherano revealed Barcelona were content to wait for their chance against Arsenal, acknowledging the Gunners made the better start.
Lionel Messi’s brace settled the first leg of the Champions League fixture in the Catalans’ favour despite Arsene Wenger’s side threatening first.
“We knew Arsenal couldn’t maintain the intensity of the first few minutes and sooner or later we would find them disorganised at the back,” Mascherano noted, Sport reports.
“And in the end that’s how it was. We seized the moment and we’ve taken a great victory that allows us to face the future with greater optimism.
“Clearly we’ve done a good job but I still don’t think it’s definite. They’re a team with a lot of quality that can make life difficult for anyone.
“We can face the second leg with peace of mind. We played a good match, very serious at all times, and now we’ll see what happens. The key is not to deviate from this path.”
