The Brazilian right-back believes referee Bjorn Kuipers was right to award http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 their second penalty kick that has caused controversy in footballing circles.
La Blaugrana played host to AC Milan at the Camp Nou after a nil-nil draw at the San Siro in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown.
Plenty of fireworks were on offer as Barcelona hogged possession in the replay, but failed to convert their dominance into scoring chances. The Catalan outfit took the lead as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 hit the back of the net after being brought down in the area from
a Nesta tackle.
However, the European affair took the turn for confrontation as Barcelona were awarded their second penalty-kick five minutes before the interval. The ever-modest http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048 was on the receiving end of a Nesta tug and went to the ground to earn the
second spot kick.
Lionel Messi duly delivered from the calling, to score for the umpteenth time in the 2011/12 season, much to the dismay of AC Milan fans who saw their European hopes diminishing.
Reflecting on the incident, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-Alves-c9869, had no doubts about the legitimacy of the decision and lauded referee, Bjorn Kuipers, for taking the decision.
Alves explained that the match official acted as it is stated in the rules of the game and rejected notions of favouritism towards the Catalan club.
"The majority of referees don't have the personality they need [at this level]," the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Brazil-c2858 international said while talking to reporters after the game. "If it's a tug in the area, then it should be given. So the referee showed character.”
The former Sevilla player noted that Barcelona players worked hard for the win which puts them one step closer to achieving their end of season objectives.
"But I am happiest above all with the great work of the team, which helped us fulfil our objective.”
"We wanted to fight to be in the next round because as you get closer to the final it gets harder and more difficult. We knew we couldn't commit any errors and we had to be very attentive."
After the endeavours in Europe, Barcelona return their attention to La Liga where they find themselves chasing Real Madrid for domestic league honours.
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