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Barcelona's Xavi hails Carles Puyol's 'psychological goal' against Real Madrid in Copa del Rey clash
The veteran midfielder hinted that the Catalans feel that they have a mental edge over their great rivals after their latest victory in the Spanish capital
| Bet: | Returns: | Rayo Vallecano £90.00 | Draw £47.50 | Real Madrid £12.85 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rayo Vallecano £100.00 | Draw £50.00 | Real Madrid £13.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rayo Vallecano £90.00 | Draw £50.00 | Real Madrid £13.33 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rayo Vallecano £80.00 | Draw £47.50 | Real Madrid £13.60 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Rayo Vallecano £71.00 | Draw £43.00 | Real Madrid £13.70 |
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Jan 19, 2012 1:10:00 AM
By Mark Doyle
Xavi Hernandez - Barcelona
Xavi labelled Carles Puyol’s equaliser in Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night as a “psychological goal”.
It has been suggested that Los Blancos have something of a mental block when it comes to their Catalan rivals, with Jose Mourinho’s men having also blown a one-goal advantage when the two sides met at the same venue in La Liga just over a month ago.
Xavi has now seemingly added weight to that theory with his description of Puyol’s header just after the interval during the game in the Spanish capital.
"It was a psychological goal,” the veteran midfielder argued. “We had discussed the play [beforehand] and it has come off to perfection. We have enjoyed today.”
Xavi also intimated that it does not make any difference to Barca whether Madrid press high up the field or defend deep, they will always find a way to win.
"We play in a way that means we always know what we have to do,” the Spain international explained.
“Now they have thrown more men back [behind the ball], they have conceded the ball and that benefits us.”
However, even though Barca now have a one-goal advantage with the home leg to come at Camp Nou next Wednesday, courtesy of Eric Abidal's late winner, Xavi does not believe that the tie is over.
"There is nothing done yet because there are still another ninety minutes,” he warned.
“But we are very happy. We were superior to Real Madrid and also retained the ball very well."
Barca return to La Liga action this weekend with a game against Malaga, while Madrid face Athletic Bilbao.
It has been suggested that Los Blancos have something of a mental block when it comes to their Catalan rivals, with Jose Mourinho’s men having also blown a one-goal advantage when the two sides met at the same venue in La Liga just over a month ago.
Xavi has now seemingly added weight to that theory with his description of Puyol’s header just after the interval during the game in the Spanish capital.
"It was a psychological goal,” the veteran midfielder argued. “We had discussed the play [beforehand] and it has come off to perfection. We have enjoyed today.”
Xavi also intimated that it does not make any difference to Barca whether Madrid press high up the field or defend deep, they will always find a way to win.
"We play in a way that means we always know what we have to do,” the Spain international explained.
“Now they have thrown more men back [behind the ball], they have conceded the ball and that benefits us.”
However, even though Barca now have a one-goal advantage with the home leg to come at Camp Nou next Wednesday, courtesy of Eric Abidal's late winner, Xavi does not believe that the tie is over.
"There is nothing done yet because there are still another ninety minutes,” he warned.
“But we are very happy. We were superior to Real Madrid and also retained the ball very well."
Barca return to La Liga action this weekend with a game against Malaga, while Madrid face Athletic Bilbao.
Starting in November and continuing through January, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World'. The latest extract takes a closer look at the exciting emergence of Fifa Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi at Camp Nou: Don't miss it!
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