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UCL: The ball just didn't go in, says Lionel Messi

Glasgow, Nov 8: Barcelona star Lionel Messi has blamed poor finishing but said the players are relaxed despite the shock loss against Celtic on Wednesday night.

Some newspapers in Spain described the 55,000 odd crowd as 'the 12th man' while Barca captain Xavi Hernandez praised the atmosphere at Celtic Park as 'it's a marvel, an example'.

The Catalans failed to breach the Celtic wall of defence, or whenever they did, the ball either hit the post or goalkeeper Fraser Forster denied. However, Messi got a late consolation for the La Liga giants on the night when they dominated possession with over 900 passes.

It took only a set-piece and fast break for the Bhoys to emerge victorious on the famous night, marking the clubs 125th anniversary with a dramatic win over the best club in the world.

"We did everything well, played better than two weeks ago against them, but the ball didn't go in," Messi said.

Barcelona faced only their second defeat this season, first losing to Real Madrid in the second-leg of the Spanish Super Cup. However, Tito Vilanova's side still remain unbeaten in the La Liga while they sit on top of Group G with nine points and two games to spare.

"We are still in first place and we are relaxed. They were comfortable closing ranks in defence, waiting for a chance to counterattack, a corner or a free-kick and that's how they managed to score the two goals," Messi said.

Vilanova conceded defeat but did not blame his players performance or effort on the dramatic night.

"We interpreted the game well, knew what we wanted to do, created many chances, but didn't finish well and their 'keeper was great,' I don't like to lose, but if we have to lose, let it be this way," he said.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 17:29 [IST]
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