Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain defended Zlatan Ibrahimovic after another flat performance against Inter Milan last night.

Barca won 1-0 on the night, but lost to Inter 3-2 on aggregate.

"We have people who can help Ibra. We must try to combine rapidly between the midfield lines," said Begiristain. "We had to have patience to open up their defence."

Begiristain insists Inter midfielder Thiago Motta deserved his red card: "Motta did not surprise me. I know him. During his career there are plenty of moments that has featured the same tonight."