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The defender scored in the win over Porto
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo was thrilled to see his team back in the knockout stages of the Champions League after securing their place with a 2-1 win over Porto.
The Catalans have failed to make it out of the group in recent seasons but confirmed their place in the last 16 on Tuesday night.
Cancelo scored and was named the game’s MVP against Porto and was happy to share his thoughts afterwards.
“We looked on this as a final and we won it. We are in the knockout rounds, which is where Barcelona deserve to be,” he said.
“When the results aren’t going your way, the confidence can drop a little. But we have a group of spectacular guys, experienced and full of quality – we deserved this victory.
“When I came off, I just felt that my hamstring was a little bit tight. But I’m comfortable and confident playing down the left if needed. Anything to achieve the right results.”
The win is a big boost for Xavi’s side but another tough tests await at the weekend when they take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
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