Xavi praised his Barcelona gamers for remaining affected person of their 3-0 victory over Sevilla because the LaLiga leaders moved eight factors away from Actual Madrid.
Barca dominated Sunday’s contest at Camp Nou earlier than ultimately discovering the breakthrough through full-back Jordi Alba within the 58th minute.
Gavi added a second 12 minutes later and Raphinha, who assisted that objective, added his identify to the scoresheet as Barca made it 10 wins in a row this yr.
Sevilla centered virtually solely on defending, managing solely three photographs in complete to Barca’s 16, and Xavi is delighted his aspect have been in a position to break down the guests.
“This was a day to dare,” he advised DAZN. “We talked about it at half-time. It’s at all times troublesome to assault when the opponent has 11 gamers behind the ball.
“However we did it very properly and I’m very glad with this consequence.”
Barca took full benefit of Actual Madrid’s shock 1-0 loss at Actual Mallorca earlier within the day to increase their lead on the summit as they shut in on a primary title in 4 seasons.
“We’ve gone many video games unbeaten and it’s necessary we win like we did in the present day,” Xavi mentioned. “In opposition to a low block, we created many possibilities – that may be a huge optimistic.
“Issues are figuring out for us. We’re eight factors forward of Madrid, however there’s nonetheless a number of the season left.”
With a objective and an help towards Sevilla, Raphinha has been concerned in additional objectives (eight – 4 objectives and 4 assists) than every other LaLiga participant in all competitions in 2023.
Xavi hailed the Brazil worldwide’s efficiency and in addition reserved particular reward for Alba, who himself scored and assisted in a single LaLiga sport for the fourth time.
“I used to be already glad with Raphinha’s performances,” Xavi mentioned. “He’s good in high-pressure eventualities and has been giving us decisive assists. He’s a unprecedented participant.
“As for Jordi, he offers us lots in assault and confirmed that once more in the present day. We knew there can be a chance to make the most of some house that was left.”
Raphinha has 8 objective contributions throughout all competitions in 2023 (4G, 4A), greater than every other La Liga participant. pic.twitter.com/9gGATd2jb6
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 5, 2023
Alba was recalled to the beginning line-up having been made to accept substitute appearances of late and took full benefit of his alternative to impress.
“I make the most of the minutes after I play; after I don’t, I dedicate myself to encouraging the kids in order that they know what it means to play for this membership,” Alba mentioned.
“We’re having an excellent season, enjoying properly, urgent properly and getting our rivals to provide us possibilities.
“There are eight factors on Madrid and, though there’s a number of the league season left, it’s a superb distance to have.”
Barca’s 53 factors after 20 LaLiga matches has solely been matched or bettered on 5 earlier events, together with themselves 4 occasions.
The one blemish for Xavi’s aspect was captain Sergio Busquets limping off early following a problem with Youssef En-Nesyri.
Busquets is reported to have sprained his proper ankle and is dealing with two-to-three weeks out, doubtlessly ruling him out of Barca’s Europa League tie with Manchester United.
“Hopefully it’s nothing severe,” Xavi mentioned. “First we’ll do exams after which we’ll know extra.”