Olmo, Alvaro Cortes react after Alaves 1-0 Barcelona: ‘Not happy with this match’ | OneFootball

Despite already sealing the La Liga title, the mood within the Barcelona dressing room was far from celebratory after the team’s latest defeat against Alaves ended their hopes of reaching the 100-point mark this season.

Midfielder Dani Olmo admitted after the match that the squad was deeply disappointed to fall short of one of their final objectives of the campaign. 

Reflecting on the result, Olmo pointed to a decisive moment just before half-time that changed the direction of the game.

“We’re not happy with this match. We tried, but it wasn’t to be. 

“The lack of concentration in the final minute of the first half was the only way they could have caught us out. We gave it our best shot, but we’re not happy.”

Barcelona players are not happy

Although Barcelona have already completed their main mission by lifting the league trophy, Olmo said that the players did not view this defeat any differently simply because the title had already been secured.

The midfielder stressed that the squad remained highly motivated to achieve the symbolic 100-point barrier and insisted the players are still demanding more from themselves despite their successful season.

“It’s not an excuse. We had another clear objective, which was to win everything right to the end to reach 100 points. 

“I wanted it and so did the team, but in the end it wasn’t to be. Now we want to win the two remaining matches.”

Barcelona now turn their attention towards their final home fixture of the campaign against Real Betis, and Olmo has promised that the team will push hard to give supporters one last victory at home this season.

“Absolutely. It’s another goal we want to achieve and celebrate the last home game with a win.”

Alvaro Cortes takes the stage

Dani Olmo expressed his disappointment. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

While the result disappointed many inside the club, the night still carried special meaning for young defender Alvaro Cortes, who made his first-team debut for Barcelona.

The academy graduate could not hide his emotions after finally achieving a dream he had carried since childhood.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted. Our target was 100 points and we didn’t achieve it, but apart from that, this is the best day of my life. 

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a child. I’ve been a Barça fan since I was born and seeing my family and friends in the stands. 

“I want to thank the manager, the board and my teammates,” he added.

Praise for the teammates

Cortes also praised the support he received from the dressing room and coaching staff before stepping onto the pitch for the first time with the senior side.

“A lot of this is down to my teammates and the staff, who gave me confidence and support before the match so that it felt like just another game. 

“They’re the best team in the world,” he added,

Despite the emotional occasion, the youngster remained grounded and acknowledged that more work still lies ahead in his career.

“I’ve arrived and there’s still a lot of work to be done. 

“We have to keep going, and now it’s time to thank the manager and the staff for the opportunity, and keep working,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo