Alves wants more of the same from Barcelona
Monday, November 1, 2010
Article summary
Daniel Alves has called on FC Barcelona to reproduce the intensity they showed in Saturday's win over Sevilla FC as they go in search of the victory that would secure their progress.
Article top media content
Article body
Full-back Daniel Alves said FC Barcelona would have to maintain the form they showed in the 5-0 rout of Sevilla FC on Saturday if they were to get the better of FC København in Group D of the UEFA Champions League.
Alves was among the scorers at the weekend as Barcelona stayed within touching distance of Liga leaders Real Madrid CF, but he expects a tougher test at the Parken Stadion. FCK lost 2-0 in Barcelona a fortnight ago, but made enough chances in the second half to unsettle the group leaders and ensure the Danish champions go into the return with plenty of belief.
"The last match was difficult as [København] are a very strong and well-organised team with a lot of quality," said the 27-year-old Alves. "We will have to learn from our last meeting and come out with the same intensity we showed at the weekend, but claiming the three points will be hard. We are improving as the season progresses and will try to match the performance against Sevilla, but the home crowd will ensure that it will not be easy."
A host of missed chances cost Barcelona victory on Matchday 2 when they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at FC Rubin Kazan, and FCK might also have taken a point at Camp Nou had they made the most of their chances after the break. Dame N'Doye crashed a volley against the bar and César Santin missed with a header with the goal at his mercy, before Messi secured the win with his second goal in added time. That victory moved the Catalan side past FCK and into top spot in Group D and another victory on Tuesday will secure their progress.
FCK defender Sölvi Ottesen, however, is confident his side can stop them and improve their own chances of advancing. The Icelandic centre-back is a major threat from set pieces, which will be one of the home side's main weapons on Tuesday. "I feel in good form and am really looking forward to this match, it is the biggest in my career," said the 26-year-old, who missed the match in Barcelona with a broken arm. "I believe we can get at least a draw which would put us in the driving seat to advance to the next round."
