Ernesto Valverde feels Barcelona played their part in a 'great show' in 1-1 draw at Atletico
Thursday 7 November 2019 13:47, UK
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said his side put on a "great show" in their 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid.
Luis Suarez's late header earned a point for the unbeaten Catalans, whose 100 per cent record ended, after Saul Niguez had put Atletico ahead in the capital.
"It was a good dinner for everyone, because there was a great show," Valverde said in his post-match press conference. "I said that we were going to adapt and we did adapt. I have a positive feeling from the game.
"We must value a point against a great rival who had taken the lead, Atletico normally manage their lead very well."
Barcelona could have snatched it at the death as they had a free-kick 20 yards out, but Lionel Messi fired straight at goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Argentina international could have been forgiven for being below par given his midweek exploits in delivering his country to World Cup qualification, but Valverde was happy with his contribution.
"It's true that Leo had some wear and tear because of the tension of the matches he has had to play, but we know that he always responds in any situation," he added.
"He gave us a lot of effort and it was clear that when he got the ball, something good could happen for us."
Saul was happy to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season.
He said on Atletico's official website: "Barcelona is a great team and when they have chances, it's rare they don't end up converting.
"I had been wanting to score for a while. In the past few matches, I've had lots of chances and the goal finally came."
