Barcelona coach Xavi has commented on Real Madrid’s historic Champions League comeback victory against Manchester City, hinting that the Whites were not the deserving winners.
The win over City marked Madrid’s third Champions League comeback this season, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea being their previous two victims.
Real Madrid and Manchester City squared off in the second leg of their semi-final bout on Wednesday night (May 4). At the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos had to overturn the 4-3 defeat they endured in the first leg, which was easier said than done.
In the 73rd minute, Manchester City scored the opening goal of the game, doubling the pressure on Madrid.
Instead of crumbling under pressure, the hosts upped the ante and scored two quick goals through Rodrygo in the dying embers of normal time. Karim Benzema then converted a penalty he won in the fifth minute of extra time to put Real Madrid 3-1 up on the night. The scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle as the Spanish champions clinched a 6-5 aggregate win.
When asked to comment on Madrid’s recent heroics, Barcelona boss Xavi hailed their relentless fighting spirit, but refrained from calling them deserving winners.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the former Barcelona midfielder said:
“It would cost us more, because we have a different style. In Anoeta it cost us and we got the game, in Villarreal the feeling was of a draw and we won. Madrid has that thing. They start to believe it and they have that positive dynamic. It's their DNA. Football has these things, the one who deserves it doesn't always win.”
Having already secured the La Liga title, Los Blancos currently sit 15 points ahead of their bitterest rivals Barcelona. The Blaugrana are next in action against Real Betis on Saturday (May 7), while Madrid play Atletico Madrid on Sunday (May 8).
Barcelona defender Dani Alves congratulates Real Madrid and Rodrygo
Barca stalwart Dani Alves, meanwhile, refused to call Los Blancos merely lucky following their comeback win over Manchester City.
The veteran right-back believes that luck does not exist in football, stating that only the deserving ones prevail in the game.
The 39-year-old also praised Rodrygo following his brace against City, citing the importance of Brazilian magic in the global game.
While Alves’ thoughtful comments won’t dilute the rivalry between Barca and Madrid, the Brazilian camp might benefit from the improved camaraderie ahead of the World Cup.
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Tundebest
686
Yes, like Messi having winning 2 more ballon d’or than Ronaldo(who is far better than him).
samratbum
596
Beating Inter twice to finish top of the group isn't luck. Thibaut Courtois saving Messi's penalty isn't luck. Luka Modric running 50 yards with the ball at 37 to make the goal isn't luck. Benzema scoring a hattrick with elite finishes against PSG in 20 minutes isn't luck. Scoring 2 incredibly difficult headers against the UCL Champions at their home isn't luck. Modric's pinpoint trivela pass to Rodrygo isn't luck. Benzema's clinical header in extra time isn't luck. Having the mental fortitude to comeback against a comeback isn't luck. Benzema finishing a 0.002xG chance on his weak foot isn't luck. Vinicius spinning his man and running 50 yard to score a solo goal isn't luck. Rodrygo coming on and scoring twice in injury time isn't luck. Benzema scoring two ice cold penalties in the tie isn't luck. They are all aligned against us. Thr entirety of English media, Barcelona, PSG, and the whole of the Premier league. Luck, they say. You weren't better than any team, they say. Liverpool will finish you off, they say. I will just say one thing. Esto es Madrid ⚪
jesalam14
566
we already know that, You guys hate madrid more than you love Barcelona. so... its obvious😁
21Legacy
532
Barcelona fans and Xavi all deserve an orange for watching our semifinal match against Man City
AFaixal
501
Ancelotti be like : Coach get sack because they loose not because they play beautifull football.. Only tropy matters
OluMcCoyIroko
347
I don't agree with Xavi on this one.
IAMJUNGKOOK
321
curious case of overrated English players
1matic
289
anyone who says Madrid don't deserve this is just point blank bias they be beating all the top teams in this, the favorites, previous champions and premaire league giants. they gave there all and perform miracles and I ain't even a real Madrid supporter so if they end up winning the champions league or loose the final they deserve all the credit and respect
Zeybclnor
261
daily comment please , Barcelona family hates Real Madrid more than how they love Barcelona 👆🧐
Danny670
236
Xavi is a hater not a rival I swear. His antics will cost him even more failure than success. I guess it’s in Barca’s tradition to hate Madrid than compete. The details he’s trying to illustrate just show how weak his mentality is. Success is doing the right things just when they matter and if Barca can be there then I guarantee you success. You can’t play good football and yet you don’t know how to defend good or score when necessary and yet you “deserve” to win. The 8-2 hammering at the hands of Bayern was a clear illustration of a club so obsessed with beautiful football and yet lack the mentality of a winning team. At Madrid on the other hand, the end justifies the means and that’s why we’ve been so successful as a club.
karlwin
127
I can bet you with my life that 90% of the pain in that match went to Xavi😂😂😂😂even city fans can't feel the pain like Xavi
Kevinchuks
60
this Barcelona of a club is something else.... always jealous about Real Madrid....so Madrid didn't deserve it just because of Pep.... hypocrite people everywhere...
Hasabikptu
54
U can't say Madrid don't deserve it..why? The beat bigger teams and played really well against Man city than even PSG, so why the hate? Am anBarca fan but Madrid was extra ordinary in those games and l hope they turn up the same against Liverpool like they did against city. The boys have a serious winning mentality and that's what Barca need to have coming next season.
nipbdmopr
10
Yes, like Messi having winning 2 more ballon d’or than Ronaldo(who is far better than him).
Ronaldo is nowhere near Messi. Not even in Ronaldo's dream does he come close. Ronaldo is a great player, a good goal scorer, but as far as football remains football, even Ronaldo's closest friends and those that were his ex teammates know Messi is far better than him. Aside goals where Messi still has a better goal-to-game ratio, every other part of the game: assists, dribbles, creativity, passes just mention on. Ten Ronaldos doesn't come close. So wake up if you could.