The once assured holding midfielder was caught napping by Celtic defence at the Camp Nou, but believes it was a non issue.
Despite stuttering at the back, Barcelona continued their impressive winning form in the 2012/13 campaign. The Camp Nou based entity won the fixture 2-1 thanks to an injury time winner from summer 2012 signing, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jordi-Alba-c19111.
The Catalan club have yet to taste defeat in all competitions, but have managed their worst defensive record in years. Samaras’ goal at the Camp Nou for Celtic in the 2-1 result was the 18th goal Tito Vilanova’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 have conceded so far.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Mascherano-c18071 took out time to reflect on La Blaugrana’s defensive problems, playing down the goals leaked in statistics. The Argentine utility man claimed that Barcelona have no problems in defence, whilst also hitting out against Celtic.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and West Ham player questioned Neil Lennon’s tactics for the UEFA Champions League fixture, stating that it is difficult to play and win when opponents field 10 players in their own half.
"We have not had any problems in defence. We have had good interventions and we played well. I certainly think we did a great match. But it is not easy when you have 10 players defending in the area," he said.
The ‘little chief’ played down suggestions that La Blaugrana have been fortunate in securing results late on in their matches. Mascherano stated that matches do not end until the referee blows the final whistle, whilst adding Barcelona are reaping fruits
of their tireless displays.
"There are many times that the ball does not enter," the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 captain recalled. "This season we are showing the games do not end until the final whistle and I think when it happens several times is not luck, there's something else.”
Barcelona are enjoying a perfect record in UEFA Champions League. Tito Vilanova’s men have accumulated 9 points from their three outings on the Old Continent, and have one foot in the knockout rounds.
Their performances in La Liga are envy for rivals as well. They have only dropped two points from their eight La Liga encounters, boasting off a handsome tally of 22 points after eight domestic meetings.
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