• Champions League

Beckham confident after battling draw

ESPN staff
April 2, 2013
David Beckham was a surprise starter for PSG © Getty Images
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David Beckham is confident Paris St-Germain can reach the Champions League semi-finals after their dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Barcelona.

A deflected stoppage-time goal from Blaise Matuidi, whose earlier booking meant he will be suspended for next week's return leg, left the quarter-final tie in the balance.

Barca's possession forced Beckham into a deep-lying role in tandem with the energetic Matuidi, but the former England captain felt his side were good value for a share of the spoils.

"In the first half, especially in the first 10 minutes, we had a few very good chances and if we'd have put one of those away it might have been different,'' Beckham told ITV. "Then obviously they got their goal, then it was an uphill battle, but I think we deserved the draw tonight.

"It's better than it was at 2-1. We go there, it's going to be difficult but there's no reason we can't go there and get a result.''

Barca lost Lionel Messi at half-time with a right hamstring injury and Beckham added: "I hope he's not injured, we all hope he's fit and ready to go for any game that's coming up. We wish him better.''

Barca had twice led, through Messi's wonderful opener and Xavi's late penalty, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored PSG's first equaliser from an offside position.

Beckham was happy to be a part of such a big occasion once more, three years after he last featured in the competition while on loan at AC Milan.

"I was obviously very happy [to start],'' he said. The manager has always shown a lot of confidence in me, especially in big moments, and tonight was a big moment for the club and I was happy to start.

"I feel pretty much the same [as at Milan], it was only three years ago. I'm enjoying being part of these nights again, they're very special.''

There has been much speculation this week over a potential extension to Beckham's short-term deal in Paris, which runs until the end of the season.

But he said: "Let's wait and see. Let's recover from this game tonight and enjoy the rest of the season.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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