(Reuters) – Barcelona’s manager Xavi expressed his pleasure at his team’s performance in the Champions League after they secured their place in the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in three years on Tuesday.
Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix both found the net as Barcelona came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 at home, taking them to the top of Group H with 12 points from five games.
They only need a draw against Antwerp in the last group match to secure first place.
“We really needed this after two years,” Xavi said. “We responded well and showed a winning mentality on several occasions.
“This was a significant step in the right direction. It means a lot to the club.
“That’s the first of our targets achieved in the Champions League. It has calmed us down and boosted our confidence, especially that of the players.”
The victory on Tuesday followed a disappointing 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga, which saw them drop to fourth place, four points behind Real Madrid.
“The feeling is one of happiness and of doing things well. We are progressing. But I don’t feel liberated, I feel happy,” Xavi stated.
“You never solve all the problems at Barcelona, but it’s a day to congratulate the team and the club for advancing.
“There are many things to improve, of course. We have to be humble. We have done some things very well, others not so,” said Xavi, expressing hope that the win would be a turning point.
Barcelona’s next match sees them play Atletico Madrid in the league on Sunday.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
