Barcelona players praised Milan’s performance and were critical of their own following Wednesday’s 2-0 loss away to the Rossoneri in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 series between the clubs.

Midfielder Xavi Hernandez lamented Barca’s performance in the second half: “We let in two goals that could have been avoided,” he said after the game. “In the second half we did not play as we normally do, whereas Milan had the game of their dreams.”

Forward Andres Iniesta said the team was flat throughout: “I think we lacked freshness, we didn’t create chances and they were well organized on the field,” he said. “There is a second leg to play and we have to believe that we can come back from this … from the very first minute at the Camp Nou, we’ll be going for it."

Right back Dani Alves, meanwhile, was the most critical of Barca’s performance, saying the team lacked fight. “We have to be better competitors,” he stated. “It’s not that we played terribly after the first goal. We didn’t play well in general and that’s largely due to how well our rival played.” He added: “Nobody gives you results or ties. We must fight and earn them. To continue in this competition you have to do better.”