‘Let’s go after Madrid, no excuses’ – Xavi’s message to Barcelona stars after PSG heartbreak

A streak of 13 unbeaten games was fatefully put to a halt against PSG, as Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League owing to an array of individual errors.

While in normal circumstances the Catalans would prefer picking themselves up gradually, they cannot afford to mull over the defeat, as another huge trial awaits them in the form of Real Madrid.

The Merengues have momentum on their side as they most recently triumphed over Manchester City and are presently atop La Liga.

As such, Barcelona must redirect their full focus toward the upcoming Clasico. Coach Xavi Hernandez may soon be hitting the exit door, but he has used the grand occasion as a means to extract the team’s motivation.

No time to mourn

Indeed, Xavi spoke to the group before training, giving a succinct yet moving statement that encouraged them to move forward via AS.

He used the impending Clasico as motivation to respond promptly, boldly declaring, “Let’s go after Madrid, no excuses!”

Xavi rallying the troops ahead of El Clasico. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Real Madrid are expected to be in high spirits, but given Barça’s solid form in the league as well as the fact that their opponents recently played 120 minutes of football, they stand a real chance of minimizing the eight-point deficit.

Defeating Real Madrid could renew spirits

With six matchdays left in La Liga, defeating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday would be a fantastic boost for Barcelona’s team spirit for two reasons.

Primarily, it would reduce the difference in the league standings to five points and the possibility of a late title charge could be presented.

Secondly, it would put Barcelona back on winning ways. For a team that thrives on having momentum, a victory could go a long way in the final stages of the campaign.