Tito dismisses lucky Barca claim

Tito Vilanova dismissed claims his Barcelona team was lucky to win against Celtic courtesy of Jordi Alba’s last-gasp goal.

The Catalans came up against a stubborn Glasgow side in their Champions League qualifier, and had to come from behind to claim all three points after Neil Lennon’s men had taken lead through a Javier Mascherano own goal.

“I don’t think it was luck. On the contrary, I thought we were unlucky. We deserved to win before that, their goalkeeper played very well and we hit a post,” insisted the Barca boss at the post-match Press conference.

Vilanova felt the Catalans had numerous chances to have sealed the game before Alba popped up with his stoppage time winner.

“We had the possession and the opportunities but they were powerful on the counter-attack and in the air. We then played with David Villa at centre-forward and with two wide men, although that did not mean we could neglect the defence.

“Well, they have accused us of being boring before now. Not anymore.

“Some of our players were coming back after long trips and had jet-lag, something you could notice in Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi, but it is not easy to play against teams with 10 or 11 men behind the ball. It even becomes boring to the players.”

The 44-year-old also commented on the decision to include Marc Bartra in central defence for his first start of the season, following injuries to Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.

“The decision was taken a few days ago but I knew last week that Marc would play in this game. He is very quick and good in the air so I knew he could help us.

“I know I’ve been asked a lot about him lately but if Marc is here it is because that’s what I’ve decided. We could have signed a centre-back but we didn’t and that was my decision.”

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