FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.12.2007 23:57

Xavi: "We have dropped two points"

Roger Bogunyà

Xavi Hernández believes that FC Barcelona were unable to beat Espanyol on Saturday night in the Olímpic Estadi because the visitors failed to take their chances in the opening half.

The local rivals shared the points after Andrés Iniesta had put Barça ahead early on and Ferrán Corominas levelled after the break for the home team. Xavi explained that he felt that the Blaugrana had dropped two points, but was pleased with another good away day performance.

Below are what the players had to say after the game.

Xavi

"It was a game with a lot intensity and chances and the key was not being able to finish it off."

"In the second half they played for 20 minutes with a great deal of intensity."

"We wanted to win and so did Espanyol and when two teams are like that a good game develops."

"I think that we have let two points go by not finishing it off in the first half. We gave them a chance."

"Like in Lyon, we have played well. The victories will come."

"He has a great attitude, whether he plays or not. He is an example."

Bojan

"It was a game that we more or less controlled, but in the end the result escaped us."

"We could just not finish again, because in the second half we also had chance. We missed a bit of luck."

"Our level was high, just like in Lyon."

"All derbies are great to play in."

"The truth is that it is unbelievable to play while Ronaldinho is on the bench."

"There are a lot of games left in the league and in three weeks Madrid are at Camp Nou. The team played well here."

Ezquerro

"What is most important is that we could have won, but we were unable to."

"I am pleased to have played for the first time."

"At the end Espanyol were clinical. There goal lifted them."

"Four points behind Madrid is not a great deal and we have to keep working."

Iniesta

"We hope that this points will help us in the coming games."

"I think that the way we played today has nothing to do with other away games."

"We could have gone two goals ahead, but it is did not happen."

"I felt fine out there. If you help by scoring or creating goal then you are always happy."

Valdés

"It is a shame when you draw. We always want to win."

"This point should help us in our next home game."

"I always say that every game is different. Today was a difficult match and the team has had the right attitude to win."

"One has to respect every decision the coach makes. The other day he left Ronaldinho out and again today. He is very professional, like every other player."

"I think now is the wrong time to look at the chance we have missed."