Luis Enrique says Barça deserved to win

“That’s football,” said FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique after the 1–1 draw with Atlético Madrid that Barça — up a goal late in the first half — were close, at times, to putting away.

“These types of games are decided by fine details,” he said, well aware that sheer bad luck played a big role in the goal that let Atlético draw level.

“They were fortunate to take advantage of that play,” he said, referring to the moment when Javier Mascherano slipped in front of Ángel Correa, allowing the Atlético striker to shoot unimpeded and tie he game.

The Barça manager, however, did give Atlético their due credit.

“We deserved to win based on our approach and how we played,” he said. “But in football, other factors are at play.”

“We had few scoring chances because our opponents didn’t allow us to get them,” he continued.

“We’re the best team attacking close to the goal and they’re the best team defending close to the goal.”

Other highlights from Luis Enrique’s postgame press conference:

“Defensively, we played a very complete first half.”

“When Leo left the game it got a little more difficult for us.”

“There’s a long way to go [this season], this thing just started.”

“It’s going to be really close, we have to keep going forward.” 

“We had doubts in the second half but we got back our rhythm and had enough chances to win the game.”

“Their forwards are very good and we knew they could complicate things.”

“Football lost today, and we lost Messi to injury.”

“Last year he had a longer injury and we overcame it.”

“With Leo we’re stronger, but we’ll continue to be strong.”

“Sergio gave what he had, but he had nothing left in the tank.”

“In football, play and scoring chances are not rewarded.”

“Today, Atlético did less than expected, but it was still enough for them to get a point.”

“Ivan [Rakitic] brings a lot, both on attack and defence. He shoots well, he’s physically strong, and that’s why he plays so many minutes on a team this good.”