Dani Alves’ reaction to Barcelona’s shock 2-3 reverse to Valencia will do liitle to appease the faithful of the Nou Camp, having suggested that playing at home is almost a hindrence rather than the proverbial 12th man.
An extremely rare home defeat to a Valencian side that have consistently underwhelmed this season has put pressure on the Catalans to regroup ahead of vital La Liga and Champions League fixtures that lie in wait.
And Brazilian right-back Alves has stoked the tempers by suggesting that the Nou Camp fans don’t help as much as they might: “Sometimes it feels like we’re playing away from home. The connection has to be positive”, he told reporters after the game.
“There’s no time for regrets. We have to be mature and learn from defeat so it does not happen again.”
Barca’s loss gives both Madrid sides, Atletico and Real, the chance to overtake them in Sunday’s round of fixtures.
