'People didn’t believe me’ - Defiant Xavi hits back at ‘unfair criticism’ during Barcelona reign as he revels in reaching Champions League quarter-finals with Napoli win

Barcelona booked their place in the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in four years on Tuesday after beating Napoli 3-1 at Montjuic. The win will brighten what's been a difficult season for Xavi and the Catalan giants, with the manager having already announced his intention to leave at the end of the season. Yet Xavi was in positive mood after the game and revelled in the victory over the defending Serie A champions.

He told Movistar: "We played a great match. My team left the pitch totally empty - everything was left out there. We dominated in large parts of the game and I'm really proud of them for that. I warned everyone that this squad would step up, in a big way, when I announced my decision to leave early. So, now, this is a moment for us to really enjoy!"

"People didn't believe me, said that I was going to lose the locker room. We have received a lot of unfair criticism. Today we showed the team is prepared to compete in Europe. The team has been very good with and without the ball."

Xavi also praised teenager Pau Cubarsi who was named MVP after another impressive performance.

"Cubarsi doesn't get nervous. That's in his favour. His delivery of the ball is brutal. He has that calmness and that pause... a lot of links with interiors. It's a spectacle to see him," he added. "We knew we could compete. With a positive mentality. That's how it was, I think it was deserved. Now we wait for the draw. Looking forward to facing these quarter-finals."

Barcelona have struggled in the Champions League in recent seasons and will relish making it through to the quarter-finals, particularly as they were without key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi and Alejandro Balde due to injury. It remains to be see how far Barcelona can go in the competition but the Catalans will certainly be boosted by beating Napoli.

Barcelona won't have too much time to celebrate as they face another crunch game up next. Xavi's side head to the Wanda Metropolitano to take on Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga.