Xavi: Barcelona Wants to Play Against Real Madrid As We Did in Spanish Super Cup
FC Barcelona manager Xavi is expecting a difficult game against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.
Speaking ahead of the match, Xavi said Barcelona want to play against Real Madrid as they did in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
Barcelona cruised to a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in January to lift their first trophy of the season. The Catalan outfit will be aiming to once again get the better of their fierce rivals and book their place in the Copa del Rey final.
“Real Madrid are the reigning league and Champions League winners. We’re going to try and control the match, to win it, but it will be difficult.”
Barcelona will be taking on Real Madrid without Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, two of their key players. Both De Jong and Pedri are out of the fixture due to injuries.
Xavi said Barcelona might not have the ball as much as they would like in the absence of those two players, but insisted they will try to control the game and play attacking football.
“Without De Jong and Pedri, we might not have the ball as much as we would like, but we will try to control the game and play attacking football.”
As aforementioned Barcelona have already won one title this season. They remain in contention for La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. In La Liga, they enjoy a 12-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid. In Copa del Rey, they will take on Real Madrid for a place in the final.
Xavi said the hunger Barcelona have for titles is massive. He said: “Without De Jong and Pedri, we might not have the ball as much as we would like, but we will try to control the game and play attacking football.”
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