Fermin Lopez, Hector Fort react after Barbastro 2-3 Barcelona: “We have to be more effective” | OneFootball

Barcelona had a narrow escape as they secured a 3-2 victory over Barbastro in the club’s Copa del Rey opener on Sunday.

The Catalans were calmly headed towards a victory until a late goal from Barbastro led to a tense ending.

In the post-match presser, Xavi Hernandez admitted Barça’s poor performance on the night. But not everyone had a poor outing against Barbastro.

Youngster Hector Fort and Fermin Lopez, in fact, were among Barcelona’s top performers and played a key role in helping the team secure a crucial victory.

Speaking after the game, both Fermin and Fort were ecstatic but sounded cautionary when describing Barcelona’s performance on the night.

“We were relieved at the end of the match. The most important thing: victory and we must continue,” Fermin said. “We know that we have to be more effective.”

Fermin scored the all-important opener for Barcelona and was one of the team’s most creative players in the final third.

The youngster, though, was not happy with Barça’s defensive performance. “We are conceding many goals and this is something we have to improve. I’m sure with the coach and players we will improve this,” he said.

Hector Fort was part of the Barcelona defence. But the youngster had a rather good outing and praised Xavi Hernandez for the opportunity.

“All competitions are important, we have to try to win them all or go as far as possible in all of them. I have felt very good and I am very grateful to the coach, above all,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Fort was operating in the left-back position, with Jules Kounde starting on the opposite flank – a move that may have surprised a few.

Hector Fort had a fairly solid game. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

“It has been a new position for me on the left, but I have tried to create chances and get the most out of it,” he said. “Xavi has told me to play calmly, with the personality I have, but to go strong.”

This was Hector Fort’s second competitive appearance for Barcelona. The last time he featured for Barça was in the last Champions League group stage game against Royal Antwerp. Curiously, Barça had also conceded three goals in that game.

“It’s a pride and an honour to play for this club. I will try to take advantage of every minute that Xavi gives me,” Hector said.

Pointing out the difficulty he had in containing Barbastro, the youngster added, “We know that in these fields the teams play everything, if they don’t leave the game decided and score a goal they will get into the game because the stands push a lot.”

It now remains to be seen whether or not Hector Fort can capitalise on this performance and keep on getting chances in the first-team, as we enter the second half of the campaign.