Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde admits that Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns surprised the five-time Champions League winners.

Goals by Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and André Gomes secured a 3-1 victory for the five-time Champions League winners to lift the Nelson Mandela Centenary Cup.

Barcelona jetted off to Spain after securing victory at a packed FNB Stadium and Valverde admits that Sundowns are a quality team.

‘Sundowns surprised us a little bit because they were very fast, and the speed of the team was very high,’ he said in post-match comments.

‘They were enthusiastic and had several opportunities, and I think everybody has seen a good team.

‘He’s [the late Nelson Mandela] one of the biggest men not only of this country but in humanity. So for us, we’re very honoured to have been invited to play this game.

‘It’s an honour for us as a club, and for myself as a manager, and for each of the players. I’m happy that it’s been a nice event for everybody,’ he concluded.

The La Liga champions will face Real Sociedad in the final of the Cope Del Rey at the Nou Camp in the final game of the season on Sunday.

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