‘Our work is starting to show’ - Xavi after the victory against Sevilla

Barcelona go eight points clear at the top of LaLiga

LALIGA ‘Our work is starting to show’ - Xavi after the victory against Sevilla

Faruq Ibrahim 23:56 - 05.02.2023

Barcelona go eight points clear at the top of LaLiga after beating Sevilla 3-0

Xavi has lauded his team's victory over Sevilla, saying the work put into the team is starting to show.

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to eight points following the 3-0 victory over Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday night.

Barcelona go eight points clear

After a barren first-half, Jordi Alba put Barcelona ahead in the 58th minute of the game before Gavi doubled the advantage in the 70th minute of the game. The Blaugrana were cruising to victory already, but Raphinha made sure the scoreline told the true story of a dominant performance by putting Barcelona 3-0 up in the 79th minute.

Jordi Alba celebrates after opening the scoring for Barcelona against Sevilla

It was Barcelona's 17th win in only 20 games, putting them eight points ahead of their closest rival. In the post-match press conference, Xavi did not hold back his praise for his team, saying he can see that the team is starting to work perfectly and that the players are hungry for success.

Barcelona go eight points clear at the top of LaLiga
Barcelona go eight points clear at the top of LaLiga

 "Our work is starting to show. The players believe themselves and they believe in us," Xavi said.

"Normally we struggle a lot against deep blocks but today we created a lot of chances.

"We have to remember where we came from, where we were a year ago, to where we are now.

"We didn't allow Sevilla to respond. We pressed very well for the whole match.

"I can see that the team is working perfectly, and the players are hungry for success."

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Xavi on the title race

Despite being eight points ahead of the closest chasers, Los Blancos, Xavi warned that the league was not over and that his team needed to stay focused.

The Blaugrana boss warned that 'crazy comebacks' have happened in LaLiga before and revealed that he still does not view his team as favourites.

 "This team has the capacity to win every title we're competing for. But we can't only say it, we have to show it. Words mean nothing."

 "I see ourselves as candidates to win the league, but the favorite is always the defending Champion. It's Madrid, and we can't lower our intensity at any moment. They can beat anyone.

"I don't know if we're the most reliable team in La Liga, but we're in good form, sure. We can't let our guard down.

Xavi believes Real Madrid are still favourites
Xavi believes Real Madrid are still favourites

"I still don't think we're the favorites for La Liga. We're only in February, and we have any tough matches upcoming. The euphoria is nice, but we have to be cautious.

“There have been crazy comebacks in La Liga before. We have to avoid that at all costs."

Barcelona have now won their 10th game in a row in all competitions and will now travel to Villarreal at the weekend before hosting Manchester United in the Europa League playoff.

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