Xavi looks forward to Manchester United clash, says Barcelona are 'in a perfect moment'

Xavi Hernandez was full of praise for his team following the win over Villarreal, saying it was Barcelona's best moment since he took over as manager.

Barcelona moved to 11 points clear at the top of the table following their 1-0 victory over Villarreal at La Ceramica on Sunday night.

Barcelona started on the front foot and were rewarded with a well-worked goal by Pedri in the 18th minute. Chukwueze thought he equalised for the hosts in the 89th minute, but the linesman ruled him offside.

It was Barcelona's 11th consecutive win in all competitions and their 16th game without defeat, and manager Xavi believes it is the best period the club is having since he assumed the role of manager.

When asked if he thought Barcelona were currently unstoppable, Xavi replied that he did not think so, but that they were in a perfect moment.

"I will not say that [we are unstoppable], but we are in a perfect moment in defence, intensity, high pressure. We recovered a ball that could have led to a goal for us, so this intensity is very important," Xavi told LaLiga TV.

“It was a very tough game, very difficult, Villarreal played very well and it is always hard to win in this stadium, but I am very happy, very satisfied."

Barcelona will face Manchester United in the Europa League knockout playoffs on Thursday, and the Barcelona manager is already looking forward to the tie.

Xavi acknowledges Manchester United are in a good period, but he is ready to compete against the English side as he believes Barcelona are in a perfect moment of their own.

"Now we need to recover well, change our mentality, and show our best side for the Europa League against Manchester United. They are in a good moment as well. "A very difficult draw, very difficult team, but okay, let's compete, I think we are in the best moment since I came here as a coach."

Barcelona have won four of their last five competitive games against Manchester United, with two of the wins coming in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, games Xavi was part of as a player under Pep Guardiola.