Unacceptable – Xavi Remarks As Barcelona Beats Real Sociedad After El Clasico Hangover

Barcelona manager Xavi criticized his team’s performance as “unacceptable” despite their victory over Real Sociedad, sealed by a late goal from Ronald Araujo.

Barcelona currently holds the third position, trailing leaders Girona by four points.

Xavi hinted that his players’ lacklustre start to the game could be attributed to the shock of Jude Bellingham’s unexpected winning goal in the recent El Clásico.

It took them 92 minutes to shake off that feeling before Ronald Araujo’s diving header secured three crucial points for Barcelona.

Speaking post-match, Xavi said: “Last week, we deserved to win, and we lost, and today when we didn’t deserve to win, we won.

“I’m very happy because the Clásico affected us more than I thought. The first 25 minutes of today are unacceptable… But this is football, and it’s a golden victory.”

Xavi’s team moved ahead of Atletico Madrid and now holds the third spot in the standings, trailing the unexpected leaders, Girona, by four points. Real Madrid has the opportunity to reach 31 points and potentially share the lead with Girona if they secure a victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Barcelona is set to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday, and a win would guarantee their spot in the round of 16.