Fermin Lopez talks after Man of the Match performance during Barcelona 2-1 Shakhtar | OneFootball

Barcelona put up an absolute stellar first-half performance as they hosted Shakhtar Donetsk for the third round of the 2023/24 Champions League group stages.

A goal each from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez took them a 2-0 lead heading into the break with all signs pointing towards a cruise control win. Both scorers, along with Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Felix looked sharp, and the team were creating chances with ease.

However, second half was far from comfortable for the hosts as Shakhtar pulled one back at the hour-mark.

Barcelona came close to losing their mark multiple times after that goal, but eventually secured all three points.

Fermin was awarded the man of the match award and spoke to the media after the game.

“I am happy that I helped achieve the goal. With Xavi, I feel comfortable, and I feel good in the midfield,” he said, as quoted by MARCA.

Fermin hit the crossbar once, which was eventually converted by Ferran, and in the second half, also had a wonderful shot off the post. He also had a sensational header disallowed for offside.

He was asked about the header, especially as a 5’7″ midfielder.

“I am very short but I have good timing in my movement. You never expect something like that, but I have been working for my whole life,” Fermin added.

He concluded by saying, “Now, I am thinking about El Clasico.”

“The coach is the one who decides who starts and I will be ready for whatever comes. The feeling I am experiencing right now is unimaginable. I am fulfilling a dream and I am so grateful for that.”

“Imagine being at home, and all the fans applauding you, it’s something I could never imagine. I feel very loved by everyone.”