Xavi 5 times said Real is stronger than Barca

"For me, Real is more appreciated because they are the defending champions of La Liga and the Champions League, regardless of injury or what happened in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. That was the exception, because that day, Barca had extraordinary game," Xavi said on March 1 at the pre-match press conference at the Bernabeu.

According to Barca coach, Real is an experienced team, winning the last major titles, while his team is rebuilding. Xavi also admired the match Real beat Liverpool 5-2 back at Anfield in the first leg of the 1/8 Champions League round. "I have to be honest and not afraid to say Real is more appreciated," Xavi repeated. "But we can hurt Real. We did it, and we have to continue to show tomorrow."

Xavi revealed the most memorable El Clasico match while playing was the 6-2 victory at the Bernabeu in May 2009. This match, Xavi played the full 90 minutes, and Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi (double), Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique scored for Barca.

"But obviously it was a completely different time. I have good memories, but now it's a different story. That's why I chose Real as the more appreciated team," Xavi emphasized. . According to Barca Universal, the 43-year-old coach had five times raised the point of "Real is stronger than Real" in just a press conference on March 1.

The two teams have met twice this season. Real won 3-1 in La Liga in October 2022. But then, Barca avenged with a 3-1 victory in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on January 15 in Saudi Arabia. This is also Xavi's first title since succeeding Ronald Koeman in November 2021.

Xavi confirmed Barca will enter the game with an attack like the way they do when playing against Real. He also said that the first leg was tense, balanced and everything will only be decided when the two teams rematch at Camp Nou on April 5. "Real is a difficult opponent. Sometimes they are not overwhelming, but just a situation of switching status with two touches, they have approached the opponent's goal," Barca coach added about Real's play.

Xavi confirmed Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski could not play due to injury, and Ansu Fati could return in time. On the opposite side, Real is absent Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, but welcomes the return of Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos.