Xavi names Real Madrid favourites ahead of their El Clasico clash

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has rejected the favourites tag ahead of their Copa del Rey clash with Real Madrid tomorrow.

The former Barca midfielder argued that Madrid are the favourites for the El Clasico game despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Barcelona lead Los Blancos in La Liga by 12 points. They opened that gap with a win over Madrid before the international break.

They also beat Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup. The two sides have met four times this season, with the Catalans winning three.

Unsurprisingly, many tagged them as favourites for the game tomorrow, but Xavi does not think so.

He said (via Barcelona’s official website): “I think they are set on getting revenge because they have lost the last three games against us.

“They are hurt. But they are a team that always competes, so it does not change much.”

“We might try something different to surprise them. I do not think they will. They have a very clear idea about their game and they do it very well.

“I certainly would not say we have the measure against them. They have every chance of winning and are very good at games like this, where they need to mount a comeback.

“I still think they are the favourites. They are very hard to beat over two legs.”

Despite Barcelona dominating Madrid over the recent clashes, the Catalans will be wary of their opponents.

Madrid demolished Real Valladolid 6-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend, with striker Karim Benzema netting a hat-trick.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said his side is motivated for the clash. They are riding high on confidence and want to end the season well.

Barcelona already have one hand on the league title and Madrid know they must win tomorrow to take a domestic trophy.