Mallorca Coach Michael Laudrup Admits Luck & Dudu Aouate Were Key In Barcelona Draw

Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup admitted that good fortune and a fine performance from goalkeeper Dudu Aouate were key factors in his side taking a point from champions Barcelona at Camp Nou.

The Dane conceded that his side were second best against the Blaugrana but noted that they have now taken two points off the two Primera Liga powerhouses in the early stages of the new season. Emilio Nsue's goal just before the break cancelled out Lionel Messi's opener in the 1-1 draw.

"They made countless attacks in the first half. To get something here you need to have some luck and your goalie has to have a great day. And that's what happened to us. The team was great and Dudu, brilliant," he was quoted as saying by AS afterwards.

"Barca play very well and very fast. The goal was a good goal and they had many chances to score. We did well and that gives us morale boost, because we have drawn with the big two teams [Barcelona and Real Madrid] having played the first six games. That counts."

"The truth is that there were two distinct halves. In the first we were a little overwhelmed, but to think that seven of the 11 players who came here for Mallorca had never played in this stadium. And that is impressive."