Xavi Hernandez was full of praise for his Barcelona side as they advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Galatasaray. However, he warned his side that their stunning recent form counts for nothing ahead of El Clasico on Sunday night.
Barcelona went a goal down in their Europa League last 16 tie with Galatasaray, but Pedri then Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged the goals which eventually took Xavi's men through. Next up is a trip to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to face LaLiga Santander leaders Real Madrid.
"Today was important," Xavi said after the match in Istanbul. "It is a European competition and we want to go far.
"And you could say that we are in a good place [ahead of El Clasico]. But that means nothing, I have seen that many times before. It will be very difficult. It will be tough."
The Barcelona coach praised his side for the character that they demonstrated in their comeback victory on Thursday night against Galatasaray.
"I believe that we played a great match," Xavi continued.
"We played with personality. We attacked well, we were patient and we came back in a difficult stadium."
He reserved special praise for Pedri following his magnificent solo effort to draw Barcelona level in the first half.
"[Pedri] sidestepped two men," Xavi said. "It was a stunning goal.
"He is capable of this and much more. He is only 19 years old. It is a goal of spectacular beauty, sublime. He made the difference."
charitywale
293
Barcelona have won their last four away games ahead of Sunday's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid 👀 It will be lit 🔥
chaliverr
192
last el classico i supported real madrid to win but this el classico i will support barcelona
i like the way Xavi used to transform barcelona
Ibrahimsmile
176
We fall before but now we rising Visca Barca Visca Catalonia 💙❤️
21Legacy
102
I trust my team to win this Clasico again. Barcelona Are No Match For The Big Boyz 🤍💯
Jusbipsy
96
Real Madrid fans during el Classico
Jamirl
86
Barcelona played a very good game tonight,they were 1-0 down but still managed to turn It around and win the game, dominating both halves smoothly this xavi team are certainly beginning to make their mark,but like he said we can't use this game to judge or predict how they would play on sunday,they just have to play and hope for the best!Real Madrid isn't an easy team so they would have to work extra hard to win that game nothing is impossible! #FORCA BARCA
Constantinetino
74
when we beat Real on Sunday, the next excuse will be like ,we have tried after a long🤣🤣🤣👎
Tondabowy
73
We don’t care if you lose, draw or win but only one thing is true. Madrid will never take this match easy and they will see us on top of the table next season..
dollarskaro
66
just start Auba and you will win
MarshRaymond
10
Barcelona have won their last four away games ahead of Sunday's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid 👀 It will be lit 🔥
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don't count you your chicks before they hatch
Eddyaustin
10
Barcelona have won their last four away games ahead of Sunday's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid 👀 It will be lit 🔥
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There will be a lot of tears just as PSG found out 😹
Bodemopruz
9
Real Madrid fans during el Classico
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concentrate on how to Win Ucl First!!Let's big Club battle in Elclassico😁
Mr_Mark
8
Real Madrid fans during el Classico
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second half real 5-4 barca