Marc Bartra has reflected today on making his first appearance of the season for Barcelona in last night’s Champions League win over Celtic.
The 21-year-old played in the centre of defence for the Catalans in their narrow 2-1 win over the Scottish in Group G on Tuesday evening.
“I am very happy – it is one of my happiest days since I came to Barça, every player who has grown up here at the club hopes to be able to play in games like that,” he told Barca TV today.
“It’s just like a dream. I felt fine on the pitch, I really enjoyed it – which is important. I think that I am physically in very good shape and that also helps.”
The defender has been the subject of attention in recent weeks, during Barca’s injury crisis and Tito Vilanova’s otherwise apparent reluctance to use the youngster.
“I had to try and put aside everything that was happening around me and Tito really helped – he knows me well and knows the how the club works. He found the perfect time to give me a game.
“You have to remember who you are and where you are and the opportunities you can get. I was calm about it and just stayed focussed on working at my job.”
Bartra also spoke today of the difficulty that comes with his position on the pitch.
“You see a lot of the mistakes when they are made there. I’ve played for quite a few years here now, playing maybe 40 metres away from the ‘keeper and having plenty of one on ones and that prepares you well. You just have to get used to that way of playing.”
Barcelona were pushed to the limit yesterday in search of a third successive Champions League win.
“We wanted the goals to come sooner too and not have to suffer so much, but I think this type of victory make us more of a team and are important for us.”
