Xavi keen to keep Real at bay

Barcelona midfielder Xavi hopes his side continue their recent dominance over Real Madrid when they meet in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s men have lost just one of their past 12 meetings against Real Madrid, ahead of the first leg of their quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Xavi said on Monday he wanted Barcelona to extend their strong record against their rivals, although he accepts it will one day come to an end.

“I hope that we don’t lose. I hope not, but obviously that is something that depends on us. Clearly with playing so many games, it will happen one day,” the Spain midfielder said.

“However, I really hope that it won’t happen for a while yet. I feel that we are at a good and competitive level at the moment and we want to work on that, and that any defeat will come as late as possible.”

Real Madrid, who top La Liga by five points from Barcelona, have been lauded for their performances this campaign.

But Xavi believes their style has not changed, and warned his team-mates they needed to be wary of Real’s pace in the attacking third.

“For me, the Madrid style has not changed at all. But not just for now – I mean in the last few years as well. Madrid have a very direct style of football,” Xavi said.

“They have three or four players who can kill you on the counter attack. They have a lot of speed in attack that means we have to be very careful.”

“When we have possession we have to be very wary of their players who remain up front. So we have to be careful defensively even when we have possession.”

The second leg of their clash will be played at the Nou Camp on January 25.