Xavi: Barcelona lacking in every way in Madrid thrashing

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez criticizes team for poor performance in 4-1 defeat by Real Madrid in Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez expressed disappointment and frustration with his team's performance in a crushing 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Spanish champions were thoroughly beaten by their bitter rivals in Saudi Arabia, and Xavi did not mince words in his assessment of the match.

"We were lacking in every way and have to apologise to the fans, we did not show the level to compete in a final," Xavi told reporters. "It's a heavy defeat, as a Barca fan I'm disappointed, we put on one of our worst displays of the season. This is not the image that Barca have to show, especially in a final against Real Madrid."

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scored a first-half hat-trick, including two goals within the first 10 minutes, while Robert Lewandowski managed to score for Barcelona. Rodrygo added to Real Madrid's lead in the second half, and Barcelona's Ronald Araujo was sent off for two fouls on Vinicius.

"We did not stop counter-attacks and runs, we started in the worst way in a final, we were trailing for the whole game," added Xavi. "We reacted well with Robert's goal and then with the penalty, the game basically ended there."

Despite the disappointing loss, Xavi emphasized the need to learn from their mistakes and move forward. Barcelona still have three trophies at stake this season, and Xavi remains optimistic about the team's potential for a successful season.

"It's a trophy lost, we have to be self-critical (but) I still believe in the project and we can still have a great season," said the coach. "I think we can turn the situation around ... everything continues, I've been in these situations many times, there's nothing for it but sucking up the criticism."

Looking ahead, Barcelona will face third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Thursday, providing an opportunity for the team to bounce back from their defeat in the Super Cup final.

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