Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Xavi downplays El Clasico's title-race impact

The Catalans could maintain their lead at the top of the table by avoiding defeat on home soil.

Xavi Hernandez has insisted Barcelona’s upcoming clash against Real Madrid won’t determine La Liga’s title winners.

The Catalans meet their arch-rivals again when the two sides face off at Camp Nou on Sunday. Xavi’s men come into the game as they sit nine points clear at the top of the league table.

A home victory could see Barca increase the gap to 12 points. But Xavi says that won’t be enough to guarantee the Catalans’ first league title since 2019.

“If we win, it would be a knock [for Madrid] in the table,” the Barcelona manager said.

“It wouldn’t be definitive, but it would be a strong blow. Whatever happens, I think nothing will be decided [on Sunday].

“We train naturally, knowing we have a great opportunity. If we win, we will take a very important step to win the league.

“We are very motivated. For some players, it would be the first league title. We prepared for the match, no matter how important it is.”

Barca defeated Real Madrid in the first leg of their Cope del Rey semi-final clash earlier this month. The two sides will lock horns again for the second leg on April 5.