12.01.2011 23:58

Alves: "We have a good advantage"

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Dani Alves believes that FC Barcelona have set themselves up for a place in the semi finals of the Copa del Rey after their convincing last eight triumph over Real Betis on Wednesday evening.

The Brazilian did state that the quarter final was not over, with the second leg to come in the Ruiz de Lopera, but he was pleased with the margin of victory after the 5-0 scoreline in the first game.

"We had the advantage of playing the first leg at home and we have completed our aim," he explained. "The return game is to come and we have to respect our rivals, although we do have a great lead. Betis played well here, especially in the first half. They made things difficult for us."

Messi gong

Alves then reflected on Lionel Messi receiving the Ballon d'Or before the game. "Messi is different to everyone else," he said. "I think that he ended any debate with his display in the game."

Xavi:

"Betis surprised us. Despite being a second division team they played well. They went up against us and that was good."

"We have played well and the tie is almost over."

"If we had not played with that intensity like we did then the outcome would have been the same."

"We are happy that we were two of three and cannot ask any more (he said about finishing behind Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or).

Pedro:

"We played very well, particularly in the second half."

"I want to congratulate Messi for his work for the team and for proving that he is the best in the world."

"I am scoring a lot of goals thanks to Alves' assists. It is important for me to score goals."