Xavi Hernandez has admitted that Barcelona “suffered more than necessary” in their narrow win over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Sunday.
Barca were widely expected to comfortably brush aside fourth-tier Barbastro in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey, however the La Liga title holders only narrowly squeezed through to the next round thanks to a 3-2 win.
La Blaugrana took a 2-0 lead in the game before being pegged back by an Adria de Mesa goal, and almost conceded an equaliser shortly after when Isreal Garcia headed just wide when found unmarked by a cross into the penalty area. Penalties for both sides late in the game meant the game would finish 3-2.
Speaking to the press after the win, Xavi admitted that his side made life far harder for themselves will some poor decisions.
“We have suffered more than necessary because of our fault, because of our mistakes,” said Xavi.
“The game gets complicated because we gave away a corner, it means 1-2 and they come out on top. For them it was the game of their life.
“I am left with the feeling that until the 1-2, which we gave away, we have been good in the game. And then with the penalty we suffered again. We give away things that we don’t have to give away.”
Xavi’s side will be in Supercopa de Espana action later this week when they face off against Osasuna in Saudi Arabia. A win could see Barca set up an early year El Clasico clash with Real Madrid, who face off against Atletico Madrid in the other semi-final of the competition.
Barca will then return to La Liga action on January 21, when they travel to the Benito Villamarin to face Real Betis. The La Liga holders are currently seven points adrift of table-toppers Real Madrid thanks to a difficult first half of the 2023/24 season.
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