Tito Vilanova has reflected that Barcelona still have another 90 minutes against Cordoba before they can say they are in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
The Coach reflected that whilst Barcelona had done their homework and had the correct attitude for this first leg Last 16 Cup tie they eventually won 2-0 on the night, that things are not yet decided with a second leg at Camp Nou still to play.
“Is the tie over? No, we have not eliminated them with a 2-0 win. It is a good advantage, but 90 minutes still remain,” he told reporters after the game, which was decided by two Lionel Messi goals.
“I was not surprised at all by Cordoba. They were like we expected, we had to push forward. We knew we were going to have space, but that the match was not going to be easy.
“I believe we need to play with a ball worthy of the Champions League, though. The Copa ball is a beach ball. I don’t know why we cannot have a decent ball for the Cup.
“The reception for this game was what we had hoped for, the fans have been spectacular.”
Vilanova was then asked of his line-up choices, which included making six changes from the League encounter and substituting David Villa in the closing 10 minutes of play.
“The team we put out against Betis had six changes to this game, but I knew the difficulty of this game. Cordoba are doing very well. They are the second best team at home.
“We have demonstrated that it would not be an easy game. There are players who have been rested in the Champions League and played in this game, think about that.
“With Messi we agreed that he would play but that coming to a Segunda Division team he knew that he would also have to run like the Cordoba players in order to win.
“Leo was fresh in training. He is so happy after the concern about his injury has passed, he is enjoying things.
“Villa has worked hard, has looked for the space and we found him. It is possible that at the end he was more tired, but I saw the possibility of the speed of Tello.
“Cristian has had his opportunities too, but I am also happy with the work of David. Very much so. It reminded me a lot of the David Villa before he had the injury.”
