Xavi Says “Going to Santiago Bernabeu Turns me on,” Before Copa Del Rey Clash

Barcelona is headed to the Santiago Bernabeu with three key stars missing from their squad to play the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. However, Barcelona boss Xavi has claimed that he is much excited to face arch-rivals Madrid.

Xavi on playing Real Madrid before Copa del Rey semi-finals

Xavi made a statement earlier in a pre-match conference saying that going to Santiago Bernabeu “turns him on”. He continued to say that he would love to play [them], and that it was a great feeling; hence he told his players that they will have to be brave.

Xavi stated that he told his players that they had an opportunity to win a title here and it was an opportunity to react. He said that they would go out to win and showcase their personality.

Barcelona are currently ahead of their rivals, Real Madrid by a margin of seven points in the La Liga table. However, they have reached a slump in their incredible goalscoring tally in the recent matches owing to injured key players like Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Pedri.

Barcelona’s Pedri, Dembele, Lewandowski out for El classico

The trio has scored a total of 40 goals for the Blaugranas this season with 25 of them coming from Lewandowski himself, with Dembele pocketing eight goals, and Pedri having his name on seven.

Lewandowski is reportedly ruled out due to a hamstring strain that he acquired during their 1-0 defeat to relegation grade team Almeria, whereas Pedri and Dembele are out owing to their respective muscle injuries.

Xavi also mentioned that their rivals Real Madrid will be starting the El Classico as the favourites, but it would be great if they could win on the upcoming Thursday at the Santiago Bernabeu since they were facing the Los Blancos, their great rivals.