Luis Enrique Praises Fans After Barcelona Advance to Copa del Rey Final With Win Over Atletico

Published on: 07 February 2017

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique dedicated his side's 3-2 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final to the Camp Nou supporters.


An incident-filled clash - which saw three red cards, a missed penalty and two goals - allowed the Catalan giants to progress through to their fourth cup final in a row.

Barca will either face Alaves or Celta Vigo- who clash on Wednesday night following their scoreless draw first time around, - asthe Catalans bid to secure a historic third trophy in a row, something that has not been done since the early 1950's.


�We are a winning club and the fans are always up to the job", Enriquetold theClub Website.

"On a day like today they have put pressure on our rivals. We want to dedicate the Copa del Rey to the fans because they have been fundamental in us getting through the tie.


"We are in the final again and we will enjoy it.�


After the second-leg, the Austrian looked back on the side's Barcelona have had to overcome -Hercules,Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, to find their way intothefinal.

It's been a tough process and all our opponents have caused us problems�, the 46-year-old said.


"The team knew how to soak up pressure and the fans as well. We had a bit of luck today but we deserve to be in the final over the two legs of the semi-final."


With both Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez unavailable for the final following their dismissals, Enrique admitted he felt for the players, but was focusing on the team's goal.

"The important thing is that Barca could win the final�, said the Catalonians boss, who then went onto praise second-choice custodianJasper Cillessen, after a tie-winning display.


That's why we have two keepers. He was excellent in between the posts and very precise when beginning moves. A top quality performance."


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