Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that he was delighted with the display of his youthful side in Tuesday's 4-0 win over BATE Borisov in the Champions League.
Thiago, his brother Rafinha, Martin Montoya, Marc Bartra, Andreu Fontas, Jonathan dos Santos, Sergi Roberto, Pedro and Isaac Cuenca all came through the famous La Masia academy and were part of the starting 11 for the European Champions.
"I told them that they went out and had fun, that they did a lot of things and weren't scared. It's important for us to see that they are capable of playing and to see that they are prepared for when we might need them," said Guardiola.
"It's not easy to put six or eight kids into the lineup from the second team and play this well."
The Barcelona coach also turned his attention to the monumental weekend clash with Real Madrid.
"If they beat us, they would have more of an advantage, and to overcome nine points against Real Madrid would be a lot to ask for.
"Madrid are always strong. Tomorrow we will begin to think about them and prepare."
Barcelona could fall nine points behind La Liga leaders Madrid with a loss this weekend.
Matt Law
