The Catalans have a chance to win their first trophy under Xavi in the upcoming game.
Xavi Hernandez believes Real Madrid’s experience in playing important finals will act in their favour when they face Barcelona on Sunday.
The Catalans reached the Super Cup final by claiming a narrow win over Real Betis on Thursday. An El Clasico showdown will be Barca’s opportunity to end a 21-month trophy drought.
Speaking ahead of the game, Xavi backed his side to show their hunger for trophies.
“Madrid are very strong and, psychologically, they have a slight advantage because they have played more finals in recent years, and they have more experience,” the Barcelona boss said on Saturday.
“We have a lot of young players that have not won trophies with Barca. When you start playing football as a child, this is what it’s for: to play finals against Madrid.
“We are not afraid, we are not anxious. We are facing a golden opportunity to win a title that would mean a lot in the middle of the season.
“It’s been a long time since we won a title, and we have to be hungry, as I told the players against Betis. I see it as an advantage to show this hunger to win trophies.
“In Barca, it is non-negotiable to win, and the objective is trophies. It would be the same if it was another rival. We will go after them with enthusiasm and motivation.
“We are 90 or 120 minutes from winning a title, and we’re going to give our all to do that.
“The first objective was to reach the final, and it was not easy. Now, the objective is to take the trophy back to Barcelona. It’s the pressure that comes with being at a big club, but the pressure is welcome.”
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