A stronger Barça rotated players for the sake of the game.
A weaker Sporting Lisbon, however, continued to fight on two, even three fronts.
This display of lack of respect for Barça greatly agitated the Barça fans.
During a media interview, Deng Kai expressed "arrogant" remarks:
"We didn't do much targeted research or training for Barça, because this season Barça has tried too many starting line-ups and tactics, too messy, and we didn't know where to start."
"Petit even said when he fled Barça in the winter window that it was the worst time of his professional career."
"To some extent, it reminds me of Inter Milan."
"So I believe, as long as we put up a good performance during the game, we can get past Barcelona."
"What they have, we have too. For example, superstars, excellent youth training, and quality fans."
"But what we have, they lack. For instance, a top-notch coaching staff, and... unity!"
The word "unity" was particularly provocative to Barça.
