The Spanish hotshot is delighted to have commenced the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu and warns against complacency for the return leg
Aug 14, 2011
By Luis Mira
Bongarts
Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has revealed that he did not expect to land a place in the starting lineup in the Spanish Supercopa first-leg clash against Real Madrid on Sunday evening.
The 20-year-old was given the nod to start for the Spanish and European champions at the Santiago Bernabeu as Sergio Busquets and Xavi had to sit on the bench after failing to fully recover from minor knocks.
Thiago, who impressed for Barca during the pre-season, did not hide his enthusiasm at being given the opportunity to be a starter against the Catalan giants' arch-rivals.
"I did not expect to be a starter and it was a surprise to be able to play because there were players like Xavi and Iniesta," he told reporters after the match. "I am very happy."
Despite Barcelona holding a slight advantage for the second-leg at Camp Nou following a 2-2 draw in Madrid, Thiago insisted that they are taking nothing for granted.
"I believe there are no favourites, this is a two-legged tie and we did our part," stated the midfielder. "There are 90 minutes remaining."
Questioned about Barcelona finally confirming the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, Thiago said: "He [Fabregas] is welcome.
"This team is always trying to reinforce itself with the best players for all positions and he is a player who will bring a lot."
The 20-year-old was given the nod to start for the Spanish and European champions at the Santiago Bernabeu as Sergio Busquets and Xavi had to sit on the bench after failing to fully recover from minor knocks.
Thiago, who impressed for Barca during the pre-season, did not hide his enthusiasm at being given the opportunity to be a starter against the Catalan giants' arch-rivals.
"I did not expect to be a starter and it was a surprise to be able to play because there were players like Xavi and Iniesta," he told reporters after the match. "I am very happy."
Despite Barcelona holding a slight advantage for the second-leg at Camp Nou following a 2-2 draw in Madrid, Thiago insisted that they are taking nothing for granted.
"I believe there are no favourites, this is a two-legged tie and we did our part," stated the midfielder. "There are 90 minutes remaining."
Questioned about Barcelona finally confirming the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, Thiago said: "He [Fabregas] is welcome.
"This team is always trying to reinforce itself with the best players for all positions and he is a player who will bring a lot."
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