Talking to UEFA.com after the 3-0 defeat by Real Madrid CF, Galatasaray
AȘ's Felipe Melo refused to give up hope of a dramatic comeback in
Istanbul next Tuesday.
Despite going into last night's quarter-final first leg at Real Madrid
CF having won their previous three away games in the UEFA Champions
League, Galatasaray AȘ midfielder Felipe Melo told UEFA.com that a lack
of concentration had contributed to bringing that run to an end in such
devastating fashion. A 3-0 reverse would leave many teams feeling
forlorn but defender Emmanuel Eboué added that the Turkish side would
stick to their attacking principles in Istanbul next Tuesday.
Felipe Melo, Galatasaray midfielder
I was hoping
we'd score goals here. We had two really great chances but we couldn't
put either of them away. We are leaving here feeling down as 3-0 is a
tough result. Madrid are one of the strongest teams in the world. It's
not just that they were particularly strong tonight, they always are.
That said, we needed to concentrate a bit more.
The return game will be just as hard. Being three goals behind means we
must go all out and that will mean leaving spaces in which they can
play. Nothing is impossible in football, though. As long as there is a
chance, I will always believe. Prior to tonight we had a 50% chance of
getting through. That's down to 10% now. If we are to go out at home,
let's look to do it with our heads held high.
Emmanuel Eboué, Galatasaray defender
Obviously
the return match is going to be difficult with us 3-0 down. We will
continue to have faith though. We play in a style that the club believes
in and we came here with the aim of scoring a goal. We will now
concentrate on the Turkish league and see about the Madrid game
afterwards.
Paul Pogba has won the 'player of the month' award for the second time
this season having also finished first in the poll organised by Juventus's
official website in January. The 20-year-old midfielder will receive
the award ahead of the Serie A game against Pescara Calcio on Saturday.
FC Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura said that Lionel Messi
"will not be forced" in his attempts to recover from the hamstring
injury he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain FC during the week. The
Argentina forward is believed to be making solid progress as he looks to
recover full fitness and although he has been ruled out of Saturday's
Liga encounter against RCD Mallorca, it is still unknown whether he will
make it in time for Wednesday's return against the French Ligue 1
leaders.
After snatching a last-minute draw against FC Barcelona on Tuesday, and only a few days before the Camp Nou return, it is back to domestic business this weekend for Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Carlo Ancelotti knows the importance Satuday's trip to Stade Rennais
FC. "Ligue 1 is a unique league, no game is ever won before kick-off,"
said Carlo Ancelotti. "The starting XI will be pretty similar to the one
that started against Barcelona, the players have recovered well. I want
to field as strong a team as possible.
