Against BATE Borissov Valdes probably didn’t have too complicated a game, although he never lost concentration. The Barça keeper expressed his surprise at how the Belarusian team played "because they defended so deeply, with 10 men in the area, leaving one forward totally on his own". But Valdes believed that the team "had the patience to keep the ball and create the necessary space to break them down".

After the draw at home to Milan in the first game of the Champions League this season, the Barça keeper sees the win in Minsk as "a very positive result for us".

Messi, a record shared

Valdes also had words for Leo Messi, who with two goals against BATE equalled Kubala as second top scorer in the history of FC Barcelona, with 194 goals. "So many records. Every game is a new one. With the quality he has, and what he’s already won, he’s entered into the history of the club". He added that "collectively we feel that any record or trophy is shared. We all recognise that".

Villa

"Messi is incredible. He keeps beating his own records. We are happy to help him do it".

"We always try to keep possession. BATE defended really deeply, especially in the first half, and left us to carry the burden of the match".

"We were very comfortable and the rain helped because it made the pitch quicker".

"Champions League matches are tricky. It’s to our credit what we did today. We played a very good game".

"I’m happy with the game from both an individual and collective standpoint".

Xavi

"They shut up shop and let us dominate. We played at ease because they didn’t even want to leave their area most of the time".

"We had to open up the pitch as they had ten players defending deeply. We kept them on the back foot, although it's tough when they are so deep, but we did well".

"What Messi does is fantastic, achieving these figures, and playing for the team. Having the best player in the world in our team is priceless".