Ernesto Valverde: 'The goal is a prize for Aleñá'

Ernesto Valverde attended the media after Barça’s victory at the Camp Nou, and the coach explained that the team "dominated the game" but that "it was difficult to overcome the opposition’s lines.”

He was pleased with his team's performance during the first half, but pointed out that the second half of the game was different, since Villarreal dominated possession of the ball. However, he emphasised the way that Barça were set up in defence when they didn’t have the ball ensured that the visitors didn’t have many chances.

The coach also had words of praise for Ousmane Dembélé and Carles Aleñá, who scored his first goal at the Camp Nou and in the League. Concerning the midfielder, he said that "the goal is a prize for him" and that "the jump up to the first team has been gained by hard work.“

The Frenchman was one of the most outstanding players in the match, and Valverde added that "he played a great game, and has been one of the most outstanding,” going on to conclude that Dembélé’s presence on the pitch contributes to the team and he's very happy with the benefits that brings.

Carles Aleñá:

"To score at Camp Nou is a dream come true, I am very happy... Messi put the ball where he did so I could score"
 
“I’ll remember this goal for life because it was my first, here at the Camp Nou"

 “We were more composed after the second goal”

Nélson Semedo 

"Not having conceded any goals is very good news" 
 
"The connection with Dembélé is very good on and off the pitch“

"Aleñá works hard and has taken his opportunity perfectly”