Luis Enrique hails solid defensive display against Real Sociedad

It goes without saying that Luis Enrique was a very happy man indeed after FC Barcelona put a decade of setbacks in Anoeta behind them to beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in Thursday night’s Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg.

“That was the first step towards the semis” said the first team coach after the game. “But we know that the second part of the tie has yet to come. However, this win was especially encouraging because it came at a ground that has traditionally been so difficult for us.”

“The team worked really hard, with effort, attitude and concentration at all times. I’d highlight the solidity in defence of the whole team. We managed to keep almost all of the football in their half and that meant that our virtues shone through rather than those of Real.”

“Cillessen’s long kicks were a great way to deal with the deep pressure they generated.”

“For the second leg, this result is going to force them to come at us and try to score. That will make for a really attractive game.”