Barcelona manager Quique Setien has expressed his pleasure after the Blaugrana registered a slender 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou. The Catalan giants suffered a 2-0 defeat in the El Clasico and it appeared that they could go winless for the second league game on the spin before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.
Of course, the club need assistance from the VAR to find the back of the net but Setien was pleased with the mental strength shown by the team, he told: “We knew it was going to be a tremendously complicated game. They had six straight wins, one at the Bernabeu, and are in the final of the cup. Apart from in some phases, the game was controlled. We did have difficult times but we also created danger. We have won thanks to the VAR. From the bench, I did not see it as it was too far away. How I see it is that we are well and strong mentally, that is what interests me.”
With the victory, the Blaugrana were able to leapfrog Real Madrid to the top of the standings after the Capital outfit suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Real Betis on the road. Setien’s side are scheduled to face Mallorca on the road during the next league fixture and they should be favourites to pick up the three points with their opponents languishing in the drop zone.
Thereafter, Napoli make the trip to the Camp Nou for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie. The Blaugrana have the away goal advantage after the 1-1 draw at the Stadio San Paolo but the tie remains fairly balanced with the Serie A outfit capable of springing a surprise. The Naples outfit have recently transformed their league fortunes and have won three games on the spin.