Xavi says Getafe not a 'defensive' team

Barça coach Xavi Hernández is only too aware of the threat posed by José Bordalás' Getafe team ahead of the two sides' meeting in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday, kick off at 4.15pm CET. The blaugranes come into the contest off the back of their 1-1 draw against Napoli in Italy on Wednesday in the Champions League. The visitors are currently in 10th place in the league and are eyeing a possible run for a place in Europe next season.

"Getafe are not a defensive team, they are a brave team. They press very high up the pitch and they have picked up points at some tricky away grounds. They always compete and Bordalás always gets the most out of his players, and that is worthy or praise," said Xavi Hernández on Friday in his pre-game press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. 

A win is vital for Barça as Xavi pointed out: "The points are very important for the battle for the league title. As long as we are mathematically involved, we will fight for it. Each week is a different story. We can't drop points, less so at home. We would go to be in second place in the table and that will put more pressure on Girona and Real Madrid who play later. We are not throwing in the towel, even though we know that it will be tough. 

Asked about the demanding fixture schedule, Xavi said: "We will see how we come into the game, but it is the moment for the best players. We will make some changes but not many, because it is a vital match. It would have been better to play on Sunday or Monday but that is no excuse."