Pedro Rodríguez was stunned with the warm reception that he received when he went on as a substitute for FC Barcelona in the 0-5 win against his boyhood side Tenerife on Sunday evening.
The Canary Islander grew up watching the local side and was warmly applauded as he entered the fray
with the Blaugrana firmly in control. "It made a great impression on me," he said. "I was not
expecting that. I want to thank everyone because they have treated me very well."
With Barça leading by four goals Pedro broke into the area and Luna's attempted tackle on him
saw the hapless defender divert the ball past his own keeper to complete what looked like an
unlikely outcome in the opening half an hour. "They came out well, but we took advantage of our
chances," he continued. "It was a good win for us because it has given us confidence. Now we think
we can bounce back in the cup against Sevilla."
Below are what a couple of the other Barça stars had to say after the win:
Maxwell
"It was a very good result. We were slightly disconcerted at the start, but little-by-little
we came back into the game."
"To score three goals in such a tough first half was important and we were able to play more
confidently after the break."
"I feel good. It is important for me to play 90 minutes. I am always available for the
coach."
Bojan
"Today was my turn to set up the goals."
"I am happy to have played and that the team earned all three points."
"It is now important that we progress in the cup against Sevilla."
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Keita helps Mali to incredible comeback
Seydou Keita helped Mali to perform an incredible comeback in the opening game of the African Cup
of Nations as they drew 4-4 with hosts Angola after being four goals behind with 79 minutes gone.
The Malians may have thought that they were going to lose their first match in the tournament
but Keita headed home as his side mounted a stunning late turnaround. "When we scored the first
couple of goals we believed that comeback was possible," he said. "To draw with the hosts is not a
bad result."