Xavi Believes FC Barcelona Have Gotten Rid Of Champions League Ghosts With Porto Win

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez believes his club has "gotten rid of the ghosts" in the Champions League after their 1-0 win over Porto on Wednesday. Xavi praised his team's effort and highlighted the difficulties they faced during the match. The victory leaves Barcelona at the top of Group H.

FC Barcelona's head coach, Xavi Hernandez, expressed his belief that his team has overcome their past struggles in the Champions League following their 1-0 victory over Porto. The win allowed Barcelona to maintain their perfect record in the competition this season. The decisive goal came from a breakaway strike by Ferran Torres just before half time at the Estadio do Dragao.

In an interview with Movistar after the match, Xavi acknowledged that it was not his team's best performance. However, he emphasized that they were able to overcome the "ghosts" that had haunted them in previous seasons, particularly against a strong rival like Porto.

Xavi highlighted the challenges his team faced during the game, describing the circumstances as "adverse" and noting the difficulties they encountered. He emphasized the need to control the game more effectively in the second half, but acknowledged that winning in the Champions League, especially away from home, is a formidable task.

Despite the challenges, Xavi commended his players for their extraordinary effort, even if it wasn't their best game. He emphasized the importance of their victory and the three vital points they earned, which propelled them to the top of Group H.

The match, however, was not without its setbacks. Both Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal had to leave the field earlier than expected, and Gavi was eventually sent off. Xavi explained that Lewandowski suffered a "very strong blow" and couldn't continue playing, with his recovery determining his availability for the upcoming game against Granada.

Regarding Yamal, the 16-year-old player had been feeling unwell and communicated his discomfort to Xavi for some time. He experienced pain in his belly, and although they initially tried to manage the situation during a quick break, they ultimately had to replace him with Marcos Alonso.

Xavi admitted that Barcelona faced difficulties, especially when they were reduced to 10 men. However, he praised his players for showing resilience and determination, which allowed them to secure the crucial victory.

When asked about his intense approach to matches, Xavi confessed that he tends to protest and get angry, but he believes it has always worked well for him. He acknowledged that changing this aspect of his coaching style would be challenging.

Barcelona will now enjoy a three-week break before their next Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25. This break will provide them with an opportunity to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenges in the competition.

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