UEFA Champions League 2016/17: Gerard Pique glad to have won against Gladbach; credits Barca's home form
In one of the most thrilling games on the night, Barcelona came from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1, with Gerard Pique scoring the winner in the 74th minute to give the away side victory and ensure a 100 percent record in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Goal was pre-planned, says Pique
After the game, the Spanish defender lauded the team spirit and explained that the winner was a result of a pre-planned play. The defender pounced on a goal keeping error by Yann Sommer, after he failed to hold on to a Suarez shot, which allowed Pique to slam in the winner.
Speaking at the post-match interview, the defender stated, “It was a pre-planned play for Luis [Suarez] and my job had been to block. I saw the goalkeeper was uncertain and it turned out well”.
The Spanish defender credited the team's home form for the win and also said that the team had anticipated a difficult game against the German opponents. The former Manchester United defender also stated that the Catalans were unlucky to fall behind in the game.
Monchengladbach had taken the lead in the first half thanks to a breakaway goal which was finished off by Thorgan Hazard after Raffael gained the ball in midfield to run at the Barca defence before passing the ball to Mahmoud Dahoud.
Dahoud, in turn, slipped the ball into the path of Hazard who was on hand to apply the tap in.
Barca quick off the blocks, but Gladbach strike first
Having started the game with a full strength team, Barcelona were quick off the blocks and almost came close to taking the lead in the first ten minutes itself. Suarez and Neymar constantly troubled the defence and Barcelona should have taken the lead when Suarez opted to pass instead of shooting the ball after Neymar had played him in with a brilliant pass.
Pique and the Barcelona defence were constantly troubled by the Germans in the first half, as the German side maintained a high tempo and quick turnover from defence to attack, which made for an enthralling game.
Barcelona, though, came back in the second half with a more refined game plan to tackle the direct running of the German team.
The introduction of substitute Arda Turan was a turning point in the game, as he scored the equaliser before Pique scored the winner.
Barcelona are currently top of their group having beaten Celtic on the opening match day 7-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick on the night. Barcelona next take on Manchester City, who were themselves held to a 3-3 draw by Celtic.