Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has revealed that the team had to fight really hard in order to overcome Porto in the Champions League.
Recall that Barca had to come from a goal down to defeat Porto 2-1 on Tuesday at Camp Nou.
Pepe had Porto ahead before Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix struck for the hosts.
However, in a chat with TribalFootball, Koinde stated that Porto made life difficult for Barca after the team went a goal down.
“We feel really satisfied, really happy to qualify for the knockout round after two straight seasons without staying in this competition.
Read Also: UCL: Chukwueze Scores For AC Milan, Sanusi Suffers Defeat With FC Porto
“First of all let’s recognise Porto’s quality. They pressed us well but it was clear that in the second half we improved a lot. It’s demanding here at Barcelona.
“Sometimes we don’t play as well as we’d like but I think today the importance of the game was huge and we really responded. When we went behind I think that we reacted really well. To fight back and win is important.
“Xavi had so much determination, especially if things were a bit tough over the last days. We played well as a group, showing the same determination as our coach does and he got what he wanted from us.”
Barcelona are guaranteed to qualify from Group H with Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk, who are both three points behind, playing each other in their final game.
Although they have not yet won the group, they will only need to avoid defeat against point-less Royal Antwerp to finish top.
