Barcelona – Archyde.com
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said that his team is accustomed to the first place, but he must find the motivation to ensure that he finishes the season in second place behind his rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Football League.
Barcelona lost 1-0 to Rayo Vallecano in “Camp Nou” on Sunday, to suffer three consecutive defeats at home for the first time, while Real needs one point from five games to win the league title.
Barcelona is in second place with 63 points, equal with Seville.
Barcelona were also knocked out of the Europa League earlier this month.
Xavi told reporters: “We were all excited after a great run in the League and the Europa League. I understand that fighting for second place does not motivate the fans and players, but we have to do this in order to qualify for the Champions League and we want to hear the music of the Champions League next season.”
“A lot of things are at stake,” he added. In the history of Barcelona it is about first place, but we must understand and motivate ourselves to finish the season in second place.”
On Sunday, Barcelona hosts Mallorca in the next round.