FC Barcelona manager Xavi has opened up on his vexation at arch-rival Real Madrid not being held to the same standards as the Catalans.
La Blaugrana defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg away clash in the Spanish capital on March 2nd, and they currently lead the defending champions by seven points, securing 59 points while Ancelotti’s side has 52 in the La Liga title race.
Victory against Los Blancos continued with a strong El Clasico winning record for the Catalan boss Xavi, defeating Real Madrid three times in their last four meetings, including the Spanish Supercopa final at the start of 2023.
However, with Barcelona’s tremendous winning effort against their old rivals Madrid, and their recent win via an own goal in the midweek, Xavi faced questions over a more practical style so far this season on the club’s standard.
Despite Xavi’s excellent tactic which has been yielding results, the Barcelona head coach was irritated by the claims alleging that their old rival Real Madrid is not on the same standards as the Catalans.
The 43-year-old Spanish boss voiced out his frustration, stating that if Barcelona beat Real Madrid, like the tight 1-0 Copa del Rey away triumph, it’s perceived as a fluke but if the table turns in favor of the defending Champions League holder, it will be seen as regular as it’s meant to be.
Xavi said: “Barca are the most difficult club in the world, you beat Real Madrid 1-0 away, and it’s ‘not convincing’, but if it’s the other way around, it’s a national holiday.”
“At Barca, we have to win and convince, and that’s our objective.
“Our opponent is the current La Liga and Champions League holders, and if they push you hard, it’s difficult.”
Barcelona will face Valencia in La Liga action today, Sunday, March 5 and the Catalans can move ten points clear if they defeat their visitors. Kickoff time is 4:15 pm.
Real Madrid will also play later in the day in tonight’s La Liga matchday 24 fixture against Betis at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, time 9:00 pm.
This is no doubt a challenging visit for Ancelotti’s men to the fifth-placed side, which will mean Real Madrid will have to give it their best if they are to take all three points tonight.
Real Madrid boss, Ancelotti admitted that tonight’s La Liga contest against Real Betis will be a tough battle.
He explained that “It will be a difficult game and we will do everything we can to try to win.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has won their last two away matches against Liverpool (5-2) and Osasuna (2-0), and they will be looking for their seventeenth league win of the season to move closer to league toppers Barcelona supposing the Catalans lose today.
Real Madrid have gone unbeaten in their five most recent meetings and defeated Real Betis 2-1 in the first half of the season, with goals from Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, hopefully they can repeat the feat against Betis tonight.
