29.08.2010 23:01

Villa: "I could do no more"

Aida Soriano

David Villa was pleased to have scored his first league goal for FC Barcelona as he netted in the 0-3 win against Racing Santander, but also felt that starting the season with a victory was vital.

The Asturian striker nodded in Barça’s third in El Sardinero on Sunday evening and also netted in the opening period only to see the effort ruled out for a dubious offside flag. “I am pleased with the way everything went today,” Villa said after the game . “I am pleased with the result, the win and the three points. It was a complete league debut and I could not do any more.”

Dominating displayu

“The team has played well and we always had the initiative while playing well and dominating,” Villa continued as he reflected on the performance. “We created chance and won well. To start the season is always tricky and we came from pre-season without much time. We took the points though and felt good.”

Changing fortunes

Villa does not have fond memories of his previous visits to play Racing Santander. “I have never had much luck in this stadium,” he commented. “But my luck is changing and this is a new chapter. Today I played well here and scored. It was not easy to fit straight in here in some ways, but in others it has been great. What is certain that the players here are suited to my way of playing.”

Family support

In El Sardinero watching from the stands were Villa’s family who travelled across Asturias to see him. “I dedicate this to all my family,” he explained. “It was just chance that the game was near where I am from and they could come.”


Below is what some of the other players had to say after the game:

Xavi Hernández

“It is very important to start the league well and now there is a break and many of us will go away for internationals.”

“Without doubt we have a great team to retain the title.”

Víctor Valdés

“The defensive work was great. Racing wanted to play football and were brave while we played well and created chances with our style.”

“I do not think it was a penalty, but once they are given that is it. The last time I saved a penalty was at Betis and I personally pleased that I was able to help the team here.”

“[ Puyol and Xavi ] felt knocks and it as intelligent to not risk them.”

“I am very pleased for Villa and he told me that he picked up an injury here, but now everything was fine.”

“To go to join the Spain squad is great.”

Sergio Busquets

“The game was good in general. They are only three points, but it is much better to start like that because we wanted to calm ourselves.”

“Villa is a great player and he scored twice, even though one was ruled out, but the win is more important than the players.”