Valverde: Barcelona always respond in the big matches

Ernesto Valverde praised his Barcelona team for always responding in the big matches as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday. 

Luke Shaw's first half goal was the difference between the two sides and hands Barça the advantage going into next week's second leg at Camp Nou. 

"Given the atmosphere here and the type of team United are it's clear how tough it is to win here," Valverde said. "The tie is not over but it wouldn't be if it was 2-0, either. We saw what Manchester did in Paris. There's a long way to go. The tie's open. 

"Keeping a high level [all season] is complicated, there are always ups and downs, but when the big games come around, the team always responds. It was a difficult game. The crowd pushed them on. But then you analyse the match and see that our goalkeeper's not had to make any saves, but there were some difficulties." 

Valverde brought on Arturo Vidal and Sergi Roberto in the second half, removing Philippe Coutinho and Arthur Melo as Barça switched to a 4-4-2 formation in a bid to wrestle back control from an improving United. 

"After [the changes] we had more control," Valverde added, "but we were coming into it from a tough game the other day against Atletico Madrid and we needed fresh legs."  

Lionel Messi took a blow to the face from Chris Smalling in the first half and the coach explained: ""Messi felt very uncomfortable after the blow to the head, we'll have to examine him tomorrow to see how he is, it was a strong blow, he has a large bruise."