Xavi considers Real Madrid a favorite for Copa Del Rey

By | Niranjan Bhargav 2 Mar, 2023

Xavi believes Real Madrid will give tough competition in the Copa Del Rey tie

Barcelona manager, Xavi believes, Real Madrid is not a side to be pushed around as the Blaugrana are set to face Los Blancos in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Despite the win over Real Madrid in the Super Copa, Xavi urges the fanbase to respect the rivals.

This will be the first encounter amongst the three El Clasicos this month. This includes a La Liga clash between the two legs of Copa del Rey.

Since Xavi was handed the managerial role, he has managed to win two of the four meetings with their rivals. This includes a 4-0 win in the league last season and the recent 3-1 Super Copa de Espana win in January.

Moreover, despite being seven points clear of Madrid, Xavi believes the reigning Spanish and European champions are capable of turning things around.

What did Xavi have to say?

“Madrid will continue to be the favorites because they are champions of La Liga and the Champions League,” he said at Wednesday’s pre-match conference.

“That is regardless of what happened in the Super Cup, where we did well, or any other factors. We may have beaten them in the Super Cup, but this is Madrid. I have to be honest. But I also think we can hurt them and I expect a very even tie overall.”

“The loss to Almeria made me very angry, but we start again with a clean slate,” Xavi said. “It’s a competition we’re doing well in, and we’re three games from another title. This will provide us with another chance to react. We know we have to be more of a team than ever, with the small details making the difference.”

“The message to the fans is that we remain in an ideal, privileged situation to win two more trophies. We are in the Copa semi-final and are leaders in the league. We know things can go wrong, but we are here to try to avoid that from happening.”

Barcelona is currently going through an injury crisis as they remain without Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele. Despite Ansu Fati being back from injury, his match fitness is a matter of concern.

“He’s had a bruised knee but is training with the group and feels good,” Xavi said. “I see a happy and motivated player who is important for the team.”