Gareth Taylor’s side closed 2024 with a gutsy and tireless performance in the Champions League - but couldn’t prevent a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in Catalonia which saw us finish second in Group D.
Regardless of the loss, we still qualified for the knockout stages of the prestigious competition for the first time since 2021.
As the curtain fell on the calendar year, the Blues have competed with a threadbare squad as key members of our team have suffered injuries which have kept them on the sidelines.
And Aleixandri says we’ll use the pause in play to rest and recuperate as we compete on four fronts in the new year.
“It was very tough to play against this team [Barcelona], but I am very proud of the team for the effort we put into this game,” she said.
“Obviously we need to review some things and improve, but we are very proud. We still go through and we can’t wait to play in the quarter-finals.
“In this competition you play against the best teams in Europe, I think Barca is one of them. I don’t care what team we face in the next round, we need to improve and I’m sure we’ll do it and be ready for the next round.
“We now have the Christmas break, I think it’s going to be okay for everyone to breathe and take energy for what’s coming and we’ll be ready for it.”
Watch Aleixandri’s full interview in the video player above.
