Xavi talks Pedri, Yamal, Felix, Raphinha, Real Madrid following Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna

Barcelona finally ended their one-goal-difference winning run from September as they beat Osasuna 2-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals tonight.

The Catalans did not score till the 60th odd minute, when Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock for them, before Lamine Yamal converted a chance from Joao Felix in injury time to double their lead.

Xavi was unsurprisingly happy with their performance and the result, saying, “At times we were very good, but not always. Osasuna are a very good team defensively, and we knew it was going to be tough.”

“We’re satisfied because we played a good match, Pedri and Lamine were good when they came on,” he added.

“I’m happy because our goal was to qualify for the final, and we did it. We created enough chances and the win is deserved.”

Felix got himself on the assist charts, setting up Yamal for the dagger late in the game. He put in a solid shift otherwise, as well, and is in contention to take back the left-wing spot from Ferran Torres in the final against Real Madrid.

On Felix, Christensen, Raphinha, Pedri, Yamal and more

“I’m happy that Joao Felix played very well when he came on,” Xavi said about the Portuguese.

There was some controversy during the game as a duel between Jose Arnaiz and Andreas Christensen was not called by the ref which eventually led to Lewandowski’s goal.

Xavi spoke about that, saying, “To be honest, I saw a foul by Andreas Christensen live. After that, I saw the replay, and it was not a foul.”

“The referee could have sent off a player due to a foul on Raphinha. But no, I don’t think that the referee was the difference today.”

There are definitely alarm bells ringing in Barcelona, though, as Raphinha picked up what seemed to be a hamstring injury, which was confirmed by Xavi, too.

“Raphinha has hamstring discomfort.”

Barcelona’s control on the game become much clearer when Pedri came on for Sergi Roberto in a game where Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan were already dominating proceedings.

“We dominated a lot. We felt well with Gündogan and Frenkie. When Pedri came on, everything becomes clearer. He doesn’t lose possession, and he generates superiority.”

“Yes, he’s [Pedri] fine. I talked to him and he’s ready, yes,” Xavi answered when asked about the possibility of the Spaniard starting vs Madrid.

As far as the tactics are concerned, Xavi said, “I don’t rule out anything. We’ll prepare for this match in the best way.” about the possibility of starting with four midfielders now that Raphinha is injured.

Xavi also hailed 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who was on target for the second time for Barcelona. The Spaniard will likely start against Madrid on Sunday, facing Ferland Mendy on the wing.

“Lamine, with the ball, is amazing. He practically doesn’t lose the ball, and he goes into every duel. Even apart from the goal, he was very good. He’s an extraordinary talent.”

On Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti

And as far as the final is concerned, Barcelona are motivated to face an improved Madrid from last year and this season’s league El Clasico.

“I think that in the league Clasico, we dominated most of the match. I can compare it to last season’s final. I think that we can dominate them and win,” Xavi said about it.

“Last season’s final was probably the best match since I have been here. This year, they are better, but we will not change anything. We are very motivated.”

Xavi has won four and lost four games vs Carlo Ancelotti so far in his tenure, which is more than most coaches in the world can boast of, against one of the best ever. He was reminded of it, but said, “I have a great relationship with Ancelotti, but I have no idea what our record is against each other.”

“This season, Ancelotti has changed the system. They’re playing with sort of a 4-4-2 rhombus formation with a false 9. That will be the key for the match, but we’ll prepare for it and try to beat them. We’re going to play offensively and attack the spaces.”

“We’ve won by more than one goal now. You have no more news,” he concluded.