Gavi, Cubarsi react after Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: ‘They’re like a battle’

Barcelona’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano provided a significant boost to the dressing room, with Gavi and Pau Cubarsi highlighting the team’s second-half response after the final whistle.  The two Barcelona players were particularly pleased with how Hansi Flick’s side recovered from a difficult opening period to secure three important La Liga points. Speaking after the match, Gavi and Cubarsi offered a strong insight into the significance of the result.  Gavi highlights Barcelona’s collective response Gavi described the victory as particularly important for Barcelona, pointing to the quality of the second-half performance and the team’s ability to take advantage of their opportunities. “It’s been a very important victory for us. It was a crucial match for the team and we’re delighted to have come away with the win. They had their chances, but it’s all about scoring goals. “We managed to capitalise on our opportunities and we’re proud to have won today. It’s a team victory. We dominated the second half very well. Gavi admitted that the team has improved a lot. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) “We managed the game well, which is important for us as we’re a young side. We’ve improved in many areas. I’m very happy for the team,” said Gavi. The midfielder also acknowledged the difficulty of facing Diego Simeone’s side, explaining why Barcelona cannot afford to underestimate Atletico in these encounters. “They’re a tough opponent because they know how to play against us well. “They proved that again today. They have the tools to cause us a lot of damage. These matches against Atletico are tough.  “They’re like a battle because the atmosphere is intense – the most intense in Europe. It was very important to come away with the win,” concluded Gavi. Cubarsi explains Barcelona’s tactical improvement after half-time Pau Cubarsi also identified the adjustments made during the interval as a decisive factor in Barcelona’s comeback.  Pau Cubarsi says Barcelona did not start well. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The young defender acknowledged that Atletico had enjoyed the better opening period but praised his teammates for correcting their positioning and improving their pressing after the break. “In the first half we started off a bit out of sorts. They had a great first half, but at half-time we were able to sort out the things we weren’t doing well and we came away with the win,” said Cubarsi. The defender then provided further insight into the tactical changes that helped Barcelona gain control of the contest, particularly their approach to pressing Atletico’s players higher up the pitch. “We needed to apply better high-pressing and in the second half we positioned ourselves a bit better. They weren’t as comfortable and we made our presence felt up front.” Cubarsi also highlighted Frenkie de Jong’s contribution, particularly his willingness to operate at right-back when Barcelona needed another solution during the match. And lastly, he explained, “If we’re playing well and giving our all in every match, we’re going to have a great La Liga season.” Source: Mundo Deportivo