‘We are competing with teenagers’ – Xavi thinks PSG are still favorites to go through

Despite beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Barcelona manager Xavi has said that PSG are still favourites to go through.

Speaking after the match, Xavi openly expressed his satisfaction, but he also reminded everyone that there are another ninety minutes to play in the second leg. 

He emphasized that nothing is guaranteed yet in the overall outcome of the match while stating, “PSG are still the favourite. It will be very difficult to win in Barcelona,” as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

By defeating PSG, Barcelona not only moved closer to the Champions League semi-final but also ended a long-standing curse in Europe’s premier competition. 

Barça had not won a knockout match in the Champions League for five years, except for the last two years when they didn’t even qualify for the round of 16.

“It is a moment to be proud, a great victory against one of the best teams in the world. But we are halfway there, it will be very difficult in Barcelona.”

“I am another Barcelona fan and I am proud, but this is not over,” added the manager.

Everything went as planned

The manager explained that everyone executed the idea to perfection. 

Expressing his satisfaction with the performance, Xavi said that Robert Lewandowski was the anchor of the attack as his hold-up allowed others to move.

“Everything went very well, I would highlight the defensive work, they understood it very well. 

“We had to match that square that PSG made, but they also matched, with individual duels. Robert held balls and then left Lamine Yamal or Raphinha with an advantage.” 

“We have shown personality in the face of difficulties, it is very difficult to resist PSG’s pressure,” he said.

The brilliance of Pau Cubari

Pau Cubarsi put on a great show against PSG. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Xavi was in awe of how his defence stayed firm despite early setbacks, saying that the attitude shown by the players is something to be proud of.

“It is a game to be proud of. If we are closer to the semis? The favourites are still PSG. It is true that we have minimized them, we have forced them to go on the outside, closing lines on the inside. 

“I think we have stopped PSG very well, not just Mbappe. The defensive work has made the difference.”

Speaking particularly about Pau Cubarsi, Xavi said that he is running out of words for the defender and he is particularly proud because he won this tie with teenagers.

” I’m running out of praise, he can hardly be beaten and he competes like an older player. One of the things that makes me feel proud is that we play with teenagers.”

Pedri’s return

It is to be noted that while Frenkie de Jong was included right from the start, Barcelona took caution regarding Pedri as the midfielder was only introduced with 30 minutes of the match to be played.

Even in his cameo, the Spaniard returned with an assist and while speaking about his return, Xavi said,

“We had talked about these changes. With Pedri, we had talked about him playing thirty minutes and that pass has been fundamental. 

“He is an enormous player. We have matured and we have known how to compete in a game that was getting difficult.”

At last, the manager had some words reserved for Raphinha, who scored a brace, saying, “He is intense, he is the first under pressure and always pays attention to the team, I am very happy for him, he deserves it.”