Xavi: I'll watch Real Madrid vs PSG, best wishes to my friends Messi and Neymar

Barcelona head coach Xavi said on Wednesday that the team currently is "in a good moment" and that his side are getting "very good results in La Liga" on the eve of the first leg of their Europa League last 16 encounter with Galatasaray at Camp Nou.

But he said that although the Europa League is a competition the brings "joy" to the club, the main goal is to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Barca are playing in Europe's second-tier competition for the first time in 18 years - back then it was still known as the UEFA Cup - because they finished third in Champions League Group E behind Bayern Munich and Benfica.

Xavi's side are enjoying a spell of good form now though - they are unbeaten in their last eight games, winning six, and have moved up to third place in the Spanish League standings, a position they haven't occupied since the opening round of the season.

Galatasaray, in contrast, have had a disappointing domestic season and currently sit in mid-table in the Turkish top flight.

Barca are emerging as the favourites to win the compeition, but Xavi played down the idea.

"I don't see us as favourites. We don't know the competition. We've never won the title," he said. "I think the favourites should be the last champions. Sevilla, for instance, are much more favourites than us. Without a doubt. We are candidates to win."

However, Barcelona will go into Thursday's game expecting to open up a significant advantage over their Turkish opposition before the second leg takes place in Istanbul in a week's time.

Real Madrid vs PSG

"Today's is a big match for Leo (Messi), for PSG and for Real Madrid.

"I will watch the game. I won't lie to you saying I will dine out. I will watch and enjoy the game.

"Pity we aren't playing in the Champions League. I must be honest. It's a great match.

"And everybody who likes football will watch it. The best team will win.

"And my best wishes to Leo and Neymar. They are my friends. The best team will win. But if Leo Messi and Neymar win then even better."