Radja Nainggolan hailed Roma’s work-rate as a unit to hold Barcelona, but warned other games will be more important.
“It’s hard to play well against Barcelona, but we were very compact as a team, worked together defensively and went on the counter when we had the chance,” said the Belgium international after a 1-1 draw.
Radja Nainggolan hailed Roma’s work-rate as a unit to hold Barcelona, but warned other games will be more important.
“It’s hard to play well against Barcelona, but we were very compact as a team, worked together defensively and went on the counter when we had the chance,” said the Belgium international after a 1-1 draw.
“The defending started from the strikers, we worked as a unit and took the right approach in the circumstances against the best team in the world.
“The point is a good start, we could’ve threatened more on the counter, but were tired from the work-rate.
“We are proud to have done so well against Barcelona, who won everything last season, and everyone gave their all.
“We will improve in terms of performance as the season goes on, but considering it was Barcelona, I think we did pretty well.”
Elsewhere in Group E, Bayer Leverkusen crushed BATE Borisov 4-1 and go top of the group.
“It’s only the first game. If we go through by a point at the end of the group, this will be considered an even bigger result.
“The fact remains we are fighting it out with Bayer Leverkusen, as Barcelona remain the favourites to win the group. We need to get points off the other teams.”