In a press conference held on Friday, before the big clash on Sunday, Barça’s second captain Xavi talked about the possibility of a win, and what it could mean for the fight for the title. “It would be our 7th victory in La Liga, and also a big blow to Madrid’s hopes,” he said, after explaining the importance of a win. “We would get an important advantage of points, but we could also end up losing those points. It won’t be definitive,” he stated, as reported by Diario Sport.

Xavi is aware that, even with the actual 8 point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, the match will be fiercely contested: “Anything can happen, because it’s Madrid that we are talking about. Last season we were favourites, but they defeated us here.”

Xavi also talked about Puyol’s injury, saying, “it was unfortunate, because he injured himself… he has always been a role model for all of us.” The midfielder also talked about the possible presence of Gerard Piqué in Sunday’s lineup: “I have seen him in the gym today, and he is working really hard to get a chance to play, but I’d say there’s only a 50% chance of that right now.”

Xavi was also asked about the rival’s qualities, and he mentioned their “ability to get any chance to score. It’s a team that uses speed in transitions of their game and they also have players that are very strong.” Plus, Xavi mentioned that Barça should be careful with their “lab plays, from corners or free kicks. They are a powerful team.”

After 14 years of being a professional footballer, Xavi confessed he feels “very happy“, even at a club as demanding as Barça. “I have been through great moments, and also through difficult ones. I have learned from those and enjoyed the others. I am happier here than I’d ever be anywhere else,” he said, affirming that he wants to end his career playing for the team he loves. He also noted that “my agent is in touch with the club to discuss a renewal of my contract. I would like to end my career here, I think the club is happy with me, so I don’t think we will have any problems with the renewal.”

Finally, as E-noticies reports, Xavi was asked today about the significance of having a full Catalan flag (a senyera) displayed in the stadium on Sunday, in a mosaic that has drawn numerous comments during the week: “It’s normal to me, as it won’t be the first time we have a mosaic with the ‘senyera’ on it. It’s great actually. The club represents Catalunya, and that is accepted as well. People can say and demonstrate what they like, we live in a democracy. It’s evident Catalunya is going through a special moment. We represent Barça. Barça represents Catalunya. We will be at their side, on the side where Catalans decide to be.”

Picture by Paco Largo, Sport.