FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.04.2008 10:58

“We have to watch out for their attack”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Víctor Valdés is well aware of Manchester United’s attacking strength, and that he’ll have to be on guard against Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney, Tévez and company.

The Champions League semi-final features two great teams, both with strong attacks.
One of the key figures in thwarting Manchester United’s ambitions will be Barça keeper Víctor Valdés. Valdés declared on Manchester United TV that he was ready for anything: “We tend to analyse our opponent in great detail, especially in the Champions League. We analyse their team play and individual play. We’ll really have to watch out for their attack.”

The first leg will be played next Wednesday in Nou Camp. The Barça keeper stressed the importance of the first leg: “Obviously there are two games, but the key one will be this Wednesday’s.” On the atmosphere he can expect in Old Trafford, he added: “To play in that kind of atmosphere is motivating for any player.”

Full of hope

Barça comes to these two legs focussed on making it to the final in Moscow on the 21st of May. Valdés recognised this, saying: “It’s been a complicated year for us, but we’ve done very well in the Champions League. It’ll be difficult against a tough opponent, but I think we’ve got options.”

Duel between keepers

The duel between both goalkeepers will be worth seeing. With Víctor Valdés at one end and 37-year old stalwart Edwin Van der Sar at the other: “He has great quality. He’s level-headed and experienced. He’s played at all levels and he’s saved his team a lot of points this season.”