Xavi reacts after Barcelona beat Linares to advance in Copa del Rey

Barcelona progressed to the next round of the Copa del Rey after they defeated lower league side Linares Deportivo 2-1 away from home on Wednesday night.

The game was not off to the best of starts for the Blaugrana, as the hosts took the lead through Antonio Luis Diaz Sanches just 19 minutes into the game.

However, the Catalans struck back in the second half as Ousmane Dembele pulled the team level just after the hour mark, before Ferran Jutgla bundled home what would eventually be the winning goal in the 69th minute.

It was not the best of performances from Barça, but they managed to scrape a win. Speaking after the match, manager Xavi Hernandez insisted that the team had faith in themselves which helped them get over the line.

“It was a victory of faith. I tried not to let the players relax because a mistake could eliminate us, so maybe I was more intense on the bench. At half-time I told the players very clearly that we could talk three hours about tactics but that it was a victory of faith, I could adjust 200 tactical things but it was a matter of faith,” he said.

Talking about the result, the 41-year-old added: “It was a difficult game. People expected a win, but football is no longer like that. Against any organised team it costs a lot to win, modern football has a high level in all categories. ”

The manager also spoke about the situation of winger Ousmane Dembele, who featured on Wednesday despite there being calls for him to be banished to the stands after refusing to sign a new contract.

Xavi said: “Dembélé has made a difference. He has been very good in the 1vs1. There is nothing new about his renewal.”

Source: BarcaTV+