Bernabeu Always ‘Turns Me On’, Xavi Says Ahead Of El-Clasico Clash

Ahead of Thursday’s Clasico game, Barcelona manager Xavi asserts that he is always “turned on” while playing Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, Spain’s archrivals will face off in Madrid, where Xavi fought in a number of great matches as a player and has since managed in a number of others.

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The Barcelona manager confessed he was enjoying the moment in a unique way, as he always does at the Bernabeu, despite previously labeling the home team as the “obvious” favorites.

“Going to Santiago Bernabeu always turns me on,” Xavi said at his pre-match press conference. “I’d like to play, I’d love to. It’s a great feeling and that’s why I tell my players that they have to be brave.”

“We are in a good situation,” he added. “We have the opportunity to win a title. It is an opportunity to react. We will go out to win and show our personality.”

With both teams having won a game by a score of 3-1, Xavi will meet Madrid for the third time this season – the second at the Bernabeu – after having played them 42 times in his playing career.

The Supercopa de Espana, which was awarded to the 43-year-old Spaniard in their most recent meeting, was his first trophy as Barca’s manager.

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However, after losing his last two games overall and without key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Ousmane Dembele due to injury, the preparations for Thursday’s game have not been ideal.

The former midfielder had a record of 17 victories, 12 draws, and 13 losses out of the 42 times he faced Madrid during his playing career. During that time, he scored five goals and had 10 assists.

Following taking on their rivals on Thursday, Xavi’s team will then play home to Valencia in La Liga on Sunday. Valencia is presently ranked 18th in the league.