We almost punished Barca says Emenike

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has said Barcelona came very close to paying a big price for underrating his Russian club.

  

Spartak fell 3-2 to hosts Barcelona in a Champions League group game on Wednesday at the Camp Nou after they took a 2-1 lead late in the game.

  

Emenike said  he was disappointed that they left Camp Nou empty handed as it was his dream to beat Barcelona right in front of their home fans.

  

“I said before the game that we will shock Barcelona, which we almost did. Let me say we lost the game because we were unlucky, we were not completely overran by Barcelona as we made them know we are equal to the task,” he said.

  

“We were determined to beat them and we almost did it. They are the best team in the world no doubt, they underrated us in the early minutes of the game and we punished them.”

  

He continued: “I am not satisfied with the result because my dream was not fulfilled. It was a victory I wanted, but I pleased with our confidence, self believe and composure on the pitch. I am very sure Barcelona will be beaten in the return leg but Celtic are our next opponent, that’s our target now.”

  

On his cross that was turned in by Dani Alves for an own goal, Emenike said he was happy with his contribution, but would have loved to have scored by himself.

  

He said, “I was happy that I was involved somehow in that goal. I would have loved to have scored, but will do that in return leg.”