Barcelona stars speak out after thrashing Real Madrid in Super Cup final – ‘It is a special title’ | OneFootball

Attackers are likely to receive a lot of praise in light of Barcelona’s 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, especially with the front three causing havoc for Los Blancos’ defence.

However, defenders were equally responsible for Barcelona’s big win, especially given the way the team defended after going down to ten men.

The likes of Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and even Marc Casado pulled off a great shift on the night.

Barcelona stars speak after Real Madrid win

After helping Barcelona secure the 5-2 victory, these defenders were jubilant, with Cubarsi and Casado, in particular, winning their first title.

“I’m very happy, it’s the first title of my life with the club, we needed it, especially because of the noise from outside,” Cubarsi said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Kounde and Balde, too, were elated after Barcelona’s win, as they expressed their delight to have pulled off such a great win.

“It is a special title and even more so coming from a blank season. It will give us confidence,” Kounde said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“This victory gives us a lot of confidence, I’m very happy, I think we played a spectacular game,” said Balde (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Balde, who scored the fourth goal for Barcelona, the defender added, “When you have a good time, it shows. This title will give us a lot of confidence.”

Kounde, meanwhile, reflected on the resilience Barcelona showed, especially after conceding an early goal by Kylian Mbappe.

“I am happy and proud of the team. We have learned. After the sending off, we met and told ourselves that we had to suffer and sit back a little further to win the game,” the Frenchman said.

Kounde added that the title win will help morally boost Barcelona in the race for the league title. “It’s a boost of confidence that will help us fight for the rest of the season,” he said.

Kounde and Balde were not the only Barcelona defenders to share their elation after last night’s win.

Ter Stegen reacts

Ter Stegen was present to lift the trophy. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

First-choice goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, despite not being a part of the team due to injury, was a key figure as he was responsible for lifting the spirits of the team.

“It’s a source of pride to lift the trophy but the effort was made by my teammates, everyone deserves to lift the cup,” ter Stegen said.

Talking about Szczesny’s red card, the German offered a coy response as he backed both Szczesny and Inaki Pena.

“I don’t make the decisions but both Iñaki Peña and Szczesny are two spectacular goalkeepers, both are at a great level.

“The most important thing is that there is a great relationship between everyone, also with Ander (Astralaga), there is a lot of respect and we have to work for the good of the team,” he said.

Ter Stegen also shared his view on the Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registration saga before the game.

“It is an internal issue, I think the club has done everything possible so that no one has to suffer. Fortunately, everything is resolved and I see the two players very calm,” he said.

Finally, the German goalkeeper offered an update on his own fitness, stating that he is working on his fitness and is eager to return as soon as possible.

“I will return when I am well to be able to help the group, I feel very eager, I am surrounded by a magnificent team of professionals who are helping me a lot,” he concluded.