Xavi Hernandez hopeful Super Cup can prove another Barca turning point

The Spanish champions are languishing in third place in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid and Girona at the halfway point. Barcelona face Osasuna in Riyadh in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday, ahead of a potential showdown against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in Sunday's final.

Barcelona, record 14-time Spanish Super Cup winners, lifted the trophy last season in Saudi Arabia, their first silverware under Xavi, and it was a key moment to prove his project was progressing. "I hope (it can be a turning point), I hope we find consistency," Xavi told a news conference.

"We respect Osasuna a lot, evidently we are favourites - it's win or lose, a knock-out game, we need to show that we want to be in the final. Last year it was perfect for us, it gave us confidence and stability." After returning to Spain the Catalans went on to win 10 of their next 11 league games on their way towards lifting La Liga.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo also believes winning the Super Cup again could prove important to turn around a disappointing campaign so far. "Last year the Super Cup was a turning point, we want it to be the same this year - it's a trophy and we want to win it," said the Uruguayan centre-back.

 

January 9, 2024