Semedo focuses on winning group

Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo has admitted he is ‘excited’ to return to Portugal and insists his side is focused on winning their group.

The Blaugrana opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Juventus while Sporting  CP – whom Semedo is familiar with having played with Lisbon rivals Benfica – started with a 3-2 win at Olympiakos.

“I am excited to return to Portugal,” Semedo told his pre-match press conference.

“It is more than a normal game for me not just because it’s Portugal but because it’s against Benfica’s rivals Sporting and it something that I take a huge amount of responsibility in.

“Our aim is to qualify as group winners but personally I would also like to see Sporting qualify in second place but that is up to them to achieve their own targets while we focus on ours.”