Chris Smalling speaks out on Lionel Messi challenge that left Barcelona star bloodied

Manchester United star Chris Smalling insists his side deserved more in the Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Barcelona. Smalling created the most memorable moment of the match and it was not a goal. He left the Barcelona superstar bloodied nose after an aerial challenge. Messi played on after receiving treatment as Luke Shaw’s own goal gave them the lead and his side ran out 1-0 winners at Old Trafford. Smalling told BT Sport: "I think it [the challenge] came when we were right on the front foot. We had to bring the intensity they’re not used to every week and there’s a lot to play for in the second leg. We pressed them high and made it difficult. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the goal. I thought we created some good chances. "We had a spell in the first half where we went after them and then we looked nervy, but after half time we got at them. The whole team, we nullified them. I think there was only one other save for David de Gea. We knew we had to bring that intensity that they’re not used to. "It was a good battle, my yellow card on Luis Suarez out of all the challenges I thought it was the softest."

Source- The Mirror

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