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Supercopa de Espana | Final
Jan 14, 2024 at 7pm UK
KSU Soccer Stadium
BL

Real Madrid
4 - 1
Barcelona

Junior (7', 10', 39' pen.), Rodrygo (64')
Bellingham (43'), Rudiger (62')
FT(HT: 3-1)
Lewandowski (33')
Araujo (37'), Roberto (39')
Araujo (71')

Xavi hopeful Raphinha will return for Champions League clash

:Headline: Xavi hopeful Raphinha will return for Champions League clash:
Barcelona head coach Xavi hopes that Raphinha will have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Napoli.
Sports Mole

Barcelona head coach Xavi is hopeful that Raphinha will have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Napoli on February 21.

Raphinha suffered a muscular issue during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Osasuna on Thursday, and he is set to be on the sidelines for at least the next month.

There had been fears that the Brazil international could also be missing for Barcelona's return to Champions League action next month, but Xavi said during his press conference ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final that the attacker should return to action in time for the game with the Italian champions.

"Yes, I hope Raphinha makes it to the Champions League game. But yes, I have a clear idea and the name of the players against Madrid," Xavi told reporters on Saturday.

"The team is very motivated, very excited. There is no better stage for a footballer. Try to play a great match: we have the example of last season, which is the ideal match. To dominate the match: to impose our identity, to dominate with the ball is the ideal scenario.

"We are a little less fit than Madrid, that's the reality. But it's all 50/50 when the ball rolls. We are where we want to be.

"I have the feeling that Madrid are stronger when Barça are stronger. If we've won any title we've had to go through Madrid. In the Super Cup final, in the Copa, in La Liga. They also react when they see a strong Barça. It's all very evenly matched.

"I'm playing for a title. I'm more relaxed. We've shown that we're a winning project and of course, Real Madrid are hungry. They always are.

"Real Madrid react even more when they see a strong Barca side that can compete with them. Tomorrow is an ideal scenario: I'm looking forward to this title."

Xavi was also full of praise for Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos midfielder Jude Bellingham ahead of El Clasico.

"I'm sure I haven't underestimated him. I think he is one of the best coaches in history: he has succeeded in every country, you won't see people talking badly about Ancelotti. Similarities? We were midfielders but I think the idea and the methodology are different," he said.

"We don't focus on one player or we would go crazy. I would highlight Bellingham's presence, his physical ability, his technique. He is making a difference from the second line."

Barcelona are the most successful side in the history of the Spanish Super Cup, winning the trophy 14 times, including last season, when they recorded a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the final.

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97
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