Xavi ready to seize 'great opportunity'

The 7pm kick-off at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday is the first of two chances for FC Barcelona to make mathematically sure of second place in La Liga 2023/24. "This a great opportunity to do that" said coach Xavi Hernandez the day before the game. "Although that was just one of the minimum targets at the start of the season."

"Everything is in our favour how that we are four points clear of the team in third. And we have two chances to do it, although I'd rather take the first. We want to make sure that we have another trophy to play for next season, the Super Cup. And we're playing at home, in front of our fans, who will cheer us on and be behind us as they always are."

Regarding the future, he insists that "I'm calm, and have just the same hope and ambition as ever. Nothing has changed. My relationship with the president and with Deco is intact ... I have the basis of an extraordinary squad to work with, with consolidated players from La Masia. Next season we will be able to compete better and I can't wait to show that."