The classic confrontation is already underway. The 28th edition of Barça vs. Madrid is set for Montjuïc next Saturday, following a weekend that began in the press room. A draw in Sevilla (1-1) and Barça’s 1-0 win over Athletic Club, highlighted by Marc Guiu’s goal, nudged the standings into a tighter balance. Madrid leads by a single point, but the margin feels fragile, and everyone is watching the next clash with heightened anticipation. Xavi cautions that the outcome will be decided on the pitch, not by chatter off it, reminding the squad not to concede to any officiating theatrics.
Although not stated outright, the Barça coach hints that Real Madrid TV clips targeting referees have become a troubling habit. I don’t want the team’s performance to be conditioned by this, he says, appealing for respect toward the Referees Technical Committee and asking that the appointed referee on Saturday be shielded from pressure and public second-guessing.
“We should let them work.”
Framing the main message, Xavi stresses the need to acknowledge the risks but focus on the game itself. He repeatedly urges patience and insistence on referee integrity, underscoring that the players must also maintain composure and not fuel any external friction before kickoff.
After delivering his central message, the mood shifted slightly with Marc Guiu’s recovery goal that kept Barça in the hunt against Madrid. In the days ahead, Xavi is expected to spend more time in the training complex as usual, balancing squad rotation with injury considerations. Against Athletic, Balde started and Lamine Yamal came on late, illustrating Barça’s evolving depth and strategic management.
The coach has not ruled out lineup possibilities against Madrid
Koundé will be unavailable due to injury sustained at Granada, and Sergi Roberto is sidelined as well. The captain, who was troubled by a muscle issue in recent training, will have to watch the classic from the stands. The door remains open for others to step in, depending on how they feel on match day. In the mix are Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Raphinha, who together dramatically shift Barça’s profile and balance in a high-stakes clásico. Xavi, however, will not press any player into action, regardless of the stakes in the fight to overtake Madrid and keep Girona’s championship hopes alive should results elsewhere align unfavorably on Montilivi.