SERGIO BUSQUETS has issued a tearful apology to Barcelona fans in the wake of Liverpool’s stunning Champions League comeback at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men overturned their 3-0 defeat in last week’s Champions League semi-final first-leg clash to win 4-0 in front of the Kop last night. Gini Wijnaldum and Divock Origi each bagged a brace […]
SERGIO BUSQUETS has issued a tearful apology to Barcelona fans in the wake of Liverpool’s stunning Champions League comeback at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s men overturned their 3-0 defeat in last week’s Champions League semi-final first-leg clash to win 4-0 in front of the Kop last night.
Gini Wijnaldum and Divock Origi each bagged a brace as the Reds sealed their place in this month’s final at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano, with either Spurs or Ajax lying in wait.
But it was the manner of the shock win that stunned the world of football.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the off, with Barcelona struggling to contain their highly-motivated opponents.
Klopp was without key men Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah.
But that didn’t stop his side from keeping Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at bay for the whole match.
Barcelona fans were in floods of tears at the final whistle, stunned by the amazing turnaround.
And Busquets has now apologised for the manner of the defeat, saying with tears in his eyes: “They were better than us. They went after the game from the first minute.
“We had chances to score the goal we needed but it was not to be. I can’t say anything more.
“I just want to say sorry to the supporters. After Roma [who similarly dumped Barcelona out in the return leg after a heavy defeat in the first] we didn’t want this to happen again.
“If you don’t press against a team like this and you don’t take your chances then you’re in trouble.
“It’s hard to say anything else. We are sorry to our fans. I don’t know what happened with the last goal. They were just cleverer than us.”
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde also gave his take on the result, adding: “I still have not come to terms with it.
“They started aggressively but we expected that. They scored early but we got into the game.
“But then they get the second and the third. The score is maybe a bit exaggerated but when it’s 4-0 you cannot make excuses.
“We couldn’t overcome the pressure they put us under. It surprised me, it surprised everyone. Everyone has to take responsibility.”
Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu also offered his two cents, noting: “We had this happen to us last year. I feel bad for the supporters.
“Credit to Liverpool. But there are no explanations because this happened a year ago.”
