FERNANDO: "WE TRIED, WE FOUGHT, BUT WE ALL CAME OFF THE PITCH KNOWING THAT WE DIDN'T PLAY WELL"

Fernando Reges, Juanlu Sánchez and Erik Lamela all spoke to the media following defeat against Arsenal. Fernando said "it was a very tough game. We wanted to do more, we tried to do more, we fought, but we all came off the pitch knowing that we didn't play well. But we have to keep our heads up and move on to Sunday's game. Arsenal are a strong side and we struggled for fluidity with some players having not had too many minutes recently. However I'm glad I managed to play for 90 minutes having had some injury issues."

Meanwhile, right-back Juanlu admitted that the team failed to follow through on the gameplan that the coach had set out. "Tonight was an example of what can happen in the Champions League - we tried all we could, but we couldn't do what we had planned. Now we just have to look ahead to Sunday. It's so important to everyone that we turn up in that game. The opposition were on a different level this evening, but I think we are capable of winning at the weekend."

Finally, Erik Lamela dwelled on his frustrating return to North London and looked ahead to the Gran Derbi. "It was a tough match; I think Arsenal dominated for most of the game and kept up away from their penalty area. They applied the pressure and that made things difficult for us. It was really frustrating that we couldn't execute our ideas, but they are very strong in attack and force you onto the back foot. After the first goal, it was hard to create chances, but you have to keep trying. Sunday's game is a really important one and we are all fully aware of that."