Xavi defends referees

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has downplayed the significance of refereeing mistakes in his side’s last two La Liga games.

The Catalans were upset after not being awarded what they thought were certain penalties in their 1-1 draw at Espanyol and 4-2 victory over Real Betis.

“Sometimes, the referees benefit us and sometimes they damage us,” Xavi told AS. “The penalty against Espanyol and the one from Sunday (against Betis).”

“This season they have hurt us, but in other seasons this was not the case.”

“It all comes with the job, they are here to make very quick decisions and this is normal. We do not want to complain, but this is simply the reality.”

Xavi said he is looking forward to Wednesday’s Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid and stressed his side will adopt an attacking approach at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“We will attack, we want to dominate and score goals,” he said. “That is what you see in every match, a lively and eye-catching attacking style.”

“The more goals we score away, the better. We will follow our philosophy because we do not know how to play in any other way.”

“I like to play at the Bernabeu and in big, historical and beautiful stadiums. This is a very special stadium for me and for all the club’s fans. It provides a special motivation that makes the match more intense. I like it.”