Barcelona full-back Dani Alves claims that he is ready to share the blame for the Copa del Rey final defeat against Real Madrid. Barcelona came into the match with a real hope of winning the first title of the season and also ending the disappointment of last week’s results. Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stage itself at the hands of Atletico Madrid. This was the first time in the last seven seasons that they have failed to reach the semifinals. Further, they have had a setback in the league title race after the 1-0 defeat against Granada.

The 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid further increased pressure on manager Gerardo Martino. Real took the lead in the first half through Angel di Maria, but Barcelona came back impressively in the second half. Just when it seemed that they would go on and take the win, Gareth Bale put on a great counter-attack and scored one of the goals of the season to end Barcelona’s disappointing last seven days. After the match, Alves says that Barcelona were attacking with a lot of enthusiasm and belief that they could win the match.

However, this defeat is very hard to take for the club, which has been so successful in the last decade.

“We thought we could get the second goal but it has gone the other way. We’re leaving Valencia very unhappy, very sad, because people came hoping to see us win a trophy. If we have to get in line to be shot, I’ll be shot. That’s my personality. And that is football. You’re the best when you win and the worst when you don’t. I care a lot about this great club. I will defend the shirt with love until the end,” said Alves after the match.