Xavi claims Barcelona deserved to beat Real Madrid in El Clasico
Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez felt his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday was undeserved.
La Blaugrana now sit four points behind their foes from the Spanish capital after 11 rounds of matches in La Liga this season.
Xavi’s side had gone ahead at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium after just six minutes of play thanks to a goal from Ilkay Gundogan, who raced in behind a sleeping Real Madrid backline to convert from close range.
Barca made many of the game’s better chances but were ultimately unable to add to their lead, and their wastefulness was punished by the visitors.
With 68 minutes away, Jude Bellingham wriggled away from trailing Barcelona bodies and found space to fire at goal from 25 yards out, thumping an unstoppable strike into the top corner of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s net.
But the Stourbridge sensation wasn’t done there, and two minutes into added time at the end of the second half, he popped up with the winner, poking the ball between Ter Stegen’s legs to seal an unforgettable victory.
Speaking to Marca post-match, Xavi was adamant that Barcelona were the side who deserved to come out on top.
„I think we dominated for 60 minutes. But we need five or six chances to score and with three they scored two. We lacked effectiveness,“ he said. „They made us suffer in the end, but honestly, if anyone looked likely to win the game, it was us.
„Even a draw would not reflect what we saw on the pitch as we played to win. It’s hard, but our goal is to win the league and this isn’t over.“
Barcelona return to La Liga action next Saturday with a trip to Real Sociedad, while Real Madrid host neighbours Raya Vallecano the following day.