Pep Guardiola admits Jose Manuel Pinto’s sending off would have changed the course of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey first-leg against Valencia.
The 36-year-old custodian was at the heart of controversy during the 1-1 draw at Mestalla as he escaped punishment for handling the ball outside Barca’s area on 18 minutes.
The visitors went on to cancel out Jonas’ opener through Carles Puyol, meaning they hold the upper hand heading into the second leg of the semi-final next week.
But Guardiola admitted it could have been a different story had Pinto been sent off.
“I have been told he handed the ball outside the area,” Guardiola said. “If you have 10 men, of course it changes the match.”
Guardiola then noted he was happy with the result and admitted he was somewhat relieved his side could not get a better result at Valencia.
“It is better to go to Camp Nou with this result because it forces us to win the match,” he said.
“When you have a 2-1 lead like we did against Real Madrid, it seems like you have won the tie.”
“We are counting on the support of our fans to reach the final. What we always try is to go for the victory.”
Quizzed on Xavi’s absence from the match, Guardiola said: “Xavi needed to rest.”
