'Barca could've picked a worse game to lose' - Fabregas plays down defeat

The 26-year-old bemoaned the Blaugrana's 2-1 defeat to Ajax on Tuesday, but thinks that their first defeat of the season is far from a disaster

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes defeat against Ajax on Tuesday is far from a diasater and that they could have lost more important games.

The Catalan giants lost 2-1 at the Amsterdam ArenA, their first defeat of the season, but they still lead Champions League Group H with one game to play.

While the former Arsenal skipper, 26, was not amused with the result or the performance, he believes it has to be put into perspective and that winning every single match is an impossibility.

"We could've picked a worse game to lose," Fabregas told Marca, alluding to the fact they still top the group and had already secured last-16 qualification. "The result is not a disaster for us.

"We were poor in the first half, and lacked a level of intensity and hunger. We ran a lot, but never really did enough to justify getting anything from the game.

"You can't always win every game, but we will stay united as a team whether we win or lose.

"Ajax played very well, with a great intensity, and must be applauded."

Barca's next game is a visit to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.