RONALD KOEMAN called Wednesday night’s Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg win over Sevilla his ‘best night as Barcelona manager’.
In a thrilling clash at the Nou Camp, Ousmane Dembele scored to give Barca a sniff having lose the first-leg 2-0 in Seville.
Koeman called Barcelona’s extra-time win over Sevilla his ‘best day as boss’ of the clubCredit: AP:Associated Press
Mundo Deportivo called the Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg clash an ‘epic’
Club legend Gerard Pique scored a 94th-minute strike to bring the aggregate scores level.
And Martin Braithwaite snatched a winner in extra-time to send Barcelona to the final, leaving Koeman – and the Spanish newspapers – in awe of the ‘epic’ game at the Nou Camp.
A giddy Koeman cheered: “I am more than 100 per cent proud of my players.
“The way we play is the most difficult… putting pressure on the team throughout the game, the effort is incredible.
“The way we did it, playing without the ball. It was incredible.
“I am proud of how we have been playing in recent weeks. It is a mentality that we are improving.
“As a coach I cannot ask for more than what we have seen tonight.
“It’s my best night as a Barca coach. It has been incredible, I am very happy.”
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Sport’s front page read ‘great’ as Barcelona progressed to the final in a thriller
Demebel scored Barcelona’s opener but limped off injured in a worry for KoemanCredit: Alamy Live News
Looking back at the two legs as a whole, Koeman concluded: “We were better in both games, but today was special.
“We deserve to play in the final for having been the best team in both games.”
However, Koeman was dealt a blow during the game with goal-scorers Dembele and Pique picking up injuries.
Pique underwent a scan which revealed a minor sprain to his knee.
Barcelona are still awaiting results on Dembele’s knock, after the forward grabbed his calf and was taken off following a shot on goal in extra-time.
The Spanish press were left in awe of Barcelona’s scintillating comeback.
Sport’s front page simply read: “Great!”, while Mundo Deportivo’s headline read: “Epic!”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
