Match Reaction from Barcelona

By Craig McWalter
March 14 2002

Barcelona coach Carles Rexach feels his side were unlucky not to get a win out of the game. Also Phil Thompson and Steven Gerrard give there views on the game and Roma next week.

Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson is looking forward to a crunch final Champions League tie against Roma after a 0-0 draw against Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

Liverpool will qualify for the last eight if they beat Roma at Anfield and the other group game between Galatasaray and Barcelona is not a draw. If that game is drawn, then Liverpool will need to see off the Serie A giants by a two goal margin.

"I'm so proud. It's the first time in more than 50 Champions League matches that they have had a 0-0," Thompson told ITV Sport.

"We came and pushed them back early on and I think our lads stood up to the task and have done themselves proud. "The boys worked tremendously hard - Emile Heskey worked like a Trojan - and it sets it all up very nicely for Anfield."

"It should be a special occasion at Anfield. It will be packed to the rafters and the fans will cheers us home."

Steven Gerrard said the players were not disappointed to have only drawn.

"Barca are a very, very good side and it sets it up nicely for next week - we have to beat Roma on our own patch now.

"Roma are a good side and it is going to be difficult.

"I think it will be all-out attack and hopefully we can get a few goals," he added.

Barcelona coach Carles Rexach said: "I know we haven't won a home tie yet in this group, but we will qualify if we draw in our last game.

"You only have to look at the other matches and see they are all draws to realise that this is such a hard group to win a match in because the sides are so good." "I felt Liverpool were only dangerous from set pieces, and apart from the first 20 minutes, we were the best side and should have won.

"They just created situations from free-kicks, and we had a lot more clear-cut chances from open play