Xavi has suggested that the manner of Barcelona's victory over Real Madrid on Sunday evening could have long-term ramifications for the future of La Liga.

Not so long ago, the Catalan side were seemingly struggling to secure Champions League football for next season, but their 4-0 success at the Santiago Bernabeu was their fifth successive win and strengthened their hold of third spot in the standings.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened and concluded the scoring, with Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres netting either side of half time, and Xavi feels that the ruthlessness of his team has sent a message to their rivals.

Speaking after the game, Xavi said: "We're very happy, very satisfied for all the Barca supporters. The meaning of this victory, I think it can change, more or less, the dynamics of the present and also of the future. That's the first thing I want to say.

"As far as the game, we had understood that [Luka] Modric and [Toni] Kroos were out, and we looked for the backs of the interior players of Real Madrid. [David] Alaba was also jumping on Frenkie [de Jong], and then Ousmane [Dembele] was one against one. We have shown a lot of personality. I asked the players, I told them it was a game to have a lot of personality, to be bold, not to lose the ball."

Barcelona return to action after the international break with a showdown against Sevilla knowing that victory will move the club into second position on goal difference.