Montoya hits out at acting claims

Barcelona defender Martin Montoya has refuted claims his side play act and attempt to make the most of challenges.

Montoya revealed he was comfortable in the intense atmosphere of La Liga’s first El Clasico of the current campaign, but is keen to dispel talk of Barcelona bending the rules.

The young Spaniard was thrown into action early in the first half of Sunday’s derby, replacing Dani Alves, and even struck the bar as Barcelona drew 2-2 with their rivals.

But the 21-year-old insists the Catalans do not go down easily in these kind of games.

“I am very happy to play the first match at the Camp Nou and against Madrid with spectacular fans,” Montoya said.

“We are not theatre people. I believe that people see this already, and if we are it is because they kick us.

“I tried to play as I know, playing my game. I am very happy that I played, I felt very comfortable on the pitch, despite it being El Clasico.”

Despite Barcelona having an eight-point advantage over Real Madrid so early in the league season, the full-back also moved to dispel any potential complacency in the Barcelona camp.

“The league is not over yet: there are lots of games and lots of points. And we’ll lead the way,” he said.