FC BARCELONA vs RIVER PLATE: Match Aftermath
Lionel Messi 36′ (Assist Neymar)
Luis Suarez 49′ (Assist Busquets)
Luis Suarez 69′ (Assist Neymar)
LUIS ENRIQUE POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:
“In football the future is uncertain. What is clear is that it is more and more difficult to win trophies. We are very happy.”
“The level we were at today, any team would have had difficulty with us,”
“If they have shown anything it is their hunger to win trophies.”
“Just a few days ago Messi had renal colic and eight days ago Neymar suffered a slight injury and both have taken part [against River]. Messi could barely stand up but he still wanted to play in the semi-final.”
On Messi: “He is a leader, we all know that, he is our reference point. But that the players with most weight in the dressing room are the first to show their desire to compete and win is a motivation to the rest.”
On River Plate: “They competed well, they were brave. They are a well-organised team and Gallardo is an excellent coach. They were always in the game.”
LUIS SUAREZ POST MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE:
“The most important thing was to win the title.”
“They knew how to create pressure well and broke down our game a lot.”
“The team made huge sacrifices to come into this game in the right condition”
“Our next target is to make sure that our level doesn’t drop off. Because we still hope to win a lot more trophies.”
PLAYERS POST MATCH COMMENTS (Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Neymar, Luis Suarez,Dani Alves)
JOSEP MARIA BARTOMEU POST-MATCH COMMENTS:
“It’s spectacular what we have achieved, and playing at this high level. The team has a system and idea that does not change.”
“This team has been at the top of world football since the arrival of Ronaldinho.”
“The motivation is always there, and when you enjoy what you do, success follows.”
“River Plate fought until the end, they played with courage but Barça are very tough to beat. Whoever the opponent, the team plays at a high standard and Leo Messi is the best player in the history of football.”
“We hope that 2016 is as successful as this year, with fewer injuries. Now it’s time to enjoy the festivities."
JAVIER MASCHERANO POST MATCH COMMENTS:
“It was very difficult for me. It’s not easy to isolate yourself from your opponent. But this is our profession.”
“A loss like this does not change anything in this Club’s history. I liked the way they competed. They were intense and put a lot of pressure on us.”
“We were superior despite River having had many chances in the 1st half.
TEAM NEWS AND FACTS:
FC Barcelona has become the only Club to have won the FIFA Club World Cup 3 times.
Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are now the only players to have won the FIFA Club World Cup 3 times.
Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta are now the players with most trophies in the Club’s history.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are now the co-top scorers in the CWC, with 5 goals each.
Gerard Pique has surpassed Cafu and has become the 2nd most decorated defender in history, with 26 titles.
FC Barcelona won the FIFA Fair play award.
The FIFA CWC best players: Luis Suarez (Golden Ball), Lionel Messi (Silver Ball), Andres Iniesta (Bronze Ball).
Luis Suarez won the FIFA E-Auto award for the CWC top scorer.
Sergio Busquets suffered a knock during the match, and is doubtful for the match between Catalunya and Euskadi, and his recovery will determine his availability for the match against Betis on December 30th.
The team will return to Barcelona on Monday but will not be back to training until December 26th, to start preparing for the match against Betis.
FC Barcelona has won its second quintuple in its history.
FC BARCELONA’S UPCOMING MATCHES:
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30TH, AT 20:30 PM CET, 17TH ROUND OF LA LIGA
FC Barcelona vs Real Betis
SATURDAY JANUARY 2ND, AT 16:00 PM CET, 18TH ROUND OF LA LIGA
FC Barcelona vs Espanyol