Xavi hails Barcelona's 'crucial' win over Atletico Madrid
- Oscar Sanders
- 24 April 2023
Barcelona coach Xavi admits the 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday was 'crucial' for his side, who returned to winning ways in the process.
Barcelona coach Xavi has described the 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday as 'crucial' and noted his side could have made it a less stressful experience if they had taken their chances.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game at Camp Nou, breaking a two-match winless streak after two successive goalless draws with Robert Lewandowski showing signs of coming back to his best form.
The win now means Barca have an 11-point leader over rivals Real Madrid but Xavi insists there is still more work to be done.
"There is nothing done, although it is exciting," he said. "Here, nobody feels like a champion, and if someone does, we will tell them that nothing has been done.
"If we lost, they were eight [points back]; it was crucial. Beyond the individualities, we played a very good game. It was crucial to win after two draws, and it's one more step."
The Catalan outfit could have won by an even bigger margin had Lewandowski, Raphinha and Gavi taken their chances, spomething which the Spanish tactician highlighted.
"I have the feeling of having wasted opportunities to make it 2-0; they were very clear," he said. "Rapha's, Robert's, one of Gavi's at the penalty spot.
"In the end, you end up suffering in a game that you deserved to win by more than one goal."
