“Madrid are favourites because they are LaLiga and Champions League holders,” says Xavi

FC Barcelona Manager Xavi, considers rivals Madrid to be the favorites in the competition

Ahead of the game against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey, FC Barcelona manager Xavi believes that the club rivals Real Madrid stand a chance to be the favorites in his competition. In a pre-match press conference, Xavi said, “Madrid are favorites because they are La Liga and Champions League holders. “They are a formidable opponent, and Madrid is in good form.”

“We have won a trophy, beating them in the final, playing great football, but it’s Madrid. They are competing well as they scored five goals against Liverpool. “I have to be honest. I don’t mind saying it. But, that said, we have the weapons to do damage. We have shown that, and it will be an even tie, but they are favorites.”

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Xavi also spoke about how much he loves playing at Madrid. Xavi said, “it motivates me to go to the Bernabéu. I’m going with enthusiasm and desire. I like this healthy football rivalry. It motivates me. I would love to play and have the ball in midfield. Winning at the Bernabéu is a very nice feeling.”

Speaking about the back-to-back defeats where FC Barcelona was knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United and then suffered a shock defeat to Almeria in the league at the weekend, Xavi said, “it doesn’t surprise me. “I know the club, its environment, and where the shots get fired.

“If we only look at the last two games, we are in hospital, but if we look at how we are doing overall — seven clear in LaLiga, in the semifinal of the cup, Super Cup winners, we competed in Europe despite going out — the picture is still good.”

FC Barcelona will play Madrid tomorrow without Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Ousmane Dembele to injury.