|
|
Xavi: Real Madrid are always a dangerous opponent
28 Jan 2013 9:55:00 AM
The veteran midfielder is eagerly anticipating the encounters with the Spanish champions and AC Milan, warning that both teams will pose a stern test for the Blaugrana
Xavi has insisted that Barcelona cannot afford to underestimate Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final this Wednesday.Los Blancos will have to make do without the likes of Iker Casillas and Pepe due to injury, but the Spain midfielder has stressed that they are always difficult opponents.
"These games are always unpredictable. We are really in good shape to compete right now but anything can happen in football, and particularly against Real Madrid," Xavi told the Times of India.
"They will be missing a few important players, but they are Real Madrid after all and they will compete well, I'm sure. Despite their current situation, they are a dangerous opponent."
The Spain international also took the time to discuss Barca's Champions League round of 16 tie against AC Milan.
"Milan are a tough side. They've always made life very hard for us defensively. San Siro is not an easy place because the fans are very passionate."
The first leg is scheduled to take place on February 20.
Related Stories
Make Your Prediction Choose match
Real Sociedad - Real Madrid
Real Sociedad
Real Madrid
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Real Sociedad 0-8 Real Madrid
- 10.82 %
-
Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid
- 9.12 %
-
Real Sociedad 2-1 Real Madrid
- 7.42 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Goal interviews Katlego Mashego
Goal speaks with the current PSL top goalscorer Katlego Mashego who talks about his career at Moroka Swallows, the feeling of finishing as top goalscorer and his return to the national team
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
SA Goal readers best comments of the week
Read our second installment of our Goal readers comments on all the big talking points in South African soccer over the week. Join the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter
-
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
-
The Bafana squad for Lesotho, CAR and Ethiopia
South Africa's Gordon Igesund has included a few unexpected players in his 25-men squad to face Lesotho before traveling to Ethiopia