Fewer errors was key to Barca fightback — Pique
MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany: Gerard Pique said committing fewer second- half errors was the key to Barcelona’s 2-1 come- from- behind victory at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Wednesday as they proved they can win in the Champions League without injured Lionel Messi.
Thorgan Hazard – the younger brother of Chelsea midfielder Eden – gave Gladbach a shock yet deserved first-half lead at Borussia Park.
But goals in the final 25 minutes, from Arda Turan and Pique, sealed Barcelona’s second Group C win after their 7- 0 hammering of Celtic at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago.
“They scored with the only chance they had in the first half, but the game is 90 minutes long and they put in a huge effort,” said match-winner Pique.
“They didn’t have the same legs in the second half and we made fewer mistakes in midfield.
“By losing possession less and them running less they had fewer counterattacks and it was more difficult for them.
“Overall, I think we were better and it is a deserved result.”
Barca fought back when Neymar shook off his marker to float a pass over the top of the Gladbach defence and Turan won the race to the ball before drilling his shot home on 65 minutes.
The winning goal came just nine minutes later.
Neymar’s corner was deflected into the path of Suarez, who was unmarked in the area.
He slammed in a powerful shot which was blocked by goalkeeper Yann Sommer, but Pique was on hand to tap home the loose ball from close range.
“It was a set- piece, I was set up to block and I went for the rebound. I saw the ‘keeper was a bit unsure and I managed to score the goal,” explained Pique. — AFP