Barcelona’s 2-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain offered little comfort on the scoreboard, but the performances of Xavi Espart and Gerard Martin provided Hansi Flick with reasons for optimism ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
The two young players featured prominently in a demanding European encounter, with Espart scoring his first Champions League goal and Martin playing despite carrying a niggle.
Their post-match reflections shared a common theme: Barcelona must learn from the defeat without allowing it to undermine their confidence before facing their biggest domestic rivals.
Espart celebrates milestone despite Barcelona defeat
Espart emerged as one of Barcelona’s standout performers against PSG, capping an impressive display with a goal.
However, the right-back made it clear that individual achievements carried less weight than the team’s result.
“We knew it was a very demanding match; they have a great team, but we have to take the positives from it.
“We gave 100% and small details decided the match, and it’s good for us to see the areas we need to improve and continue to grow.”
The teenager acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding his first goal in the Champions League, particularly given Barcelona’s inability to secure a positive result.
“It’s a bit bittersweet, because the team’s victory comes first, but I’m very happy with my first Champions League goal.
“Ultimately, it’s bittersweet because I would have liked to come away with the win, but I’ll take the positives from what I’ve done and what the team has done, and we’re focused on Sunday.”
Gerard Martin reveals he played through a niggle
Martin also reflected on the physical demands of the contest, confirming that he had been carrying a minor problem before taking part.
The defender explained that players regularly have to manage discomfort when important fixtures arrive.
“Ultimately, all players play a few matches whilst carrying niggles, and in a match like this you do everything you can to play.”
Assessing the performance, Martin pointed to the intensity of both teams’ pressing and the importance of taking chances when opportunities arise.
“It was a very demanding match; both sides had their moments, because we both pressed high up the pitch and when the pressure eased there were plenty of spaces for us and for them.
“In the end, it comes down to the finer details – making the most of our chances. We’ll have to correct what we did wrong, but it’s only October and we’ve got plenty of room for improvement.”
Barcelona youngsters turn attention towards El Clasico
Despite the European setback, Martin insisted that the result would not damage Barcelona’s confidence ahead of their meeting with Real Madrid.
He believes the team can take pride in competing at a high level while addressing the details that went against them.
“It won’t affect us, because we’ve competed at the highest level and put in a great performance – apart from those small details that cost us a few goals – but we can hold our heads high, and we’ve got El Clasico this weekend, which we’ll go out to win,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo