Xavi stunned by Barcelona's dominance in Real Madrid triumph
By Tom Gott
Barcelona manager Xavi has admitted that he did not expect his side to overwhelm Real Madrid to the extent that they did in Sunday's momentous 4-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
La Blaugrana rocked up in Madrid and put in one of their best performances in recent memory, ruthlessly picking Real apart and firing home four unanswered goals against La Liga's leaders.
After the match, Xavi confessed that this result could be the turning point for the new era at Barcelona, even if he wasn't expecting it to come as it did.
"I am happy, happy, satisfied by everything at Barcelona," Xavi said. "This result can change the dynamics of the present and the future.
"You could say that we have returned. It is a day to enjoy and celebrate. In the recent past, we haven't had many joys. But we're back at the table. It can be said that we're coming back.
"We have competed against a strong Real Madrid on their pitch. The game was spectacular and we could have scored more goals. We could have gone for the fifth. I'm excited by how they play and train. We were much better than Real Madrid. It's a day to enjoy, these are moments of celebration.
"We've worked for these rewards, but we did not expect to be so superior in their stadium. We expected a more open game. I'm so happy."
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Xavi also refused to rule out challenging for the Spanish title - Barcelona are 12 points behind Real with one game in hand - but did admit that he doesn't see his team winning it just yet.
"We have to keep working, this result isn't a title," he said. "We have to be humble. We celebrate today and then we have to rest and think about Sevilla. It's just three more points.
"I don't think we'll win La Liga, it's very difficult. But today is a massive step. First, we must get a Champions League position, then we'll see. This strengthens are project but the objectives have not yet been met. We must continue.
"Winning La Liga is difficult. Nothing has changed from yesterday. But we're not ruling it out. We have to keep working."