Pellegrini: Mistake settled game

Manuel Pellegrini says that Malaga’s mistake that allowed Barcelona to open the scoring was the only reason his team did not go on to beat the Catalans.

The Anchovies fell to an eventual 3-1 defeat at La Rosaleda, but their Coach was left regretting a lapse in concentration that allowed Lionel Messi to make it 1-0 before half-time was reached.

“We do not need to know that it costs a lot to beat Barca. Initially we made a mistake in an even game, it was a silly mistake that opened up the game,” Pellegrini told reporters.

“And then a good move in the fourth minute of the second half made it 2-0 and then they played very comfortably.

“We could have done more if we had not made the silly mistake we had. The ball was shared between the teams, they had few chances at our goal and the gift was decisive.

“It is a result that is amplified by the second half, they had the ability to put together a good move and it gave them more tranquillity.

“I am left with the feeling that in the first half if the score had been goalless then the game would have been ours.

“Hopefully in Barcelona [in the Copa del Rey in midweek] we can play a good game, but these games are difficult.

“Our first half to the season? It has been good, with the Champions League we have qualified and we have 31 points in the League. In the Cup we are currently still there, so I’m very happy.”

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La Liga - Club News