Xavi opens fire against Barcelona critics after securing a place in the quarterfinals. Barcelona humbled the Italian giants, Napoli, to a 3-1 win and a 4-2 aggregate. Barcelona dominated the game after a draw at Diego Maradona Stadium the previous day. However, after harsh criticism claiming that Barcelona is the joke of the UEFA Champions League, Xavi fired, “And now what?’’
Xavi Opens Fire on Barcelona Critics
Barcelona’s performance in the Champions League has been a rollercoaster ride. In the last two seasons, Barcelona could make it out of the group stage while losing to PSG in the 2020/2021 season in the round of 16. The win was a milestone for Barcelona after a brilliant performance on Tuesday night. Fermin Lopez, Jaoa Cancelo, and Robert Lewandowski’s goals chested up Barcelona to a triumphant win at Camp Nou.
“People did not believe in me,” Xavi said. “I even read that we were the joke of the Champions League, and now what?” exclaimed Xavi against Barcelona critics. “Today we showed the team is ready to compete in the Europa League.” Xavi had something to smile about last night after an impressive domination at Camp Nou. “We dominated a large part of the game, and I’m proud of the players.”
Barcelona have stepped up their game since Xavi Hernandez’s announcement to leave the club in the summer. In the last nine games, Barca has won six and managed to draw three. Xavi announced in January that he would be leaving the club. Barca was in a mess after losing 4-3 to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey. Barca are in the third position in the table, 8 points away from their rivals Real Madrid.
Xavi Praise Pau Cubarsi
Pau Cubasri’s brilliant performance stole the spotlight in Napoli against Barca on Tuesday night. The 17-year-old boy managed to minimize Victor Osimhen’s threat and completed 61 out of 68 passes. Making his 12th appearance, he managed to snatch the MVP trophy. “When he is with the ball, I’m always relaxed,” said Xavi, praising Cubasri. Cubarsi doesn’t get nervous. That’s in his favor. His delivery of the ball is brutal. He has that calmness and that pause; it is spectacular to watch him,” added Xavi.
Barca will be updated on Friday to see who they will be facing in the quarters. Currently, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, PSG, and Bayern are in the quarter. Tonight, two more teams will proceed to the quarterfinals with Inter Milan hosting Atletico and Borussia hosting PSV.
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