This Tuesday (12), Barcelona will have an opportunity that, although common historically, could be a milestone in recent years for the club.
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The Catalan team is trying to return to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in four years, and needs to overcome Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16, at home.
Therefore, coach Xavi Hernández, who is scheduled to leave at the end of the season, tried to take the focus off him.
“I’m not important, the club is. I prioritize the club. I have an expiration date. You have to compete well. You have to live a magical night. It’s an opportunity,” said Xavi.
It is worth remembering that Barça have not competed in the quarter-finals of the Champions League since the 2019/20 season, when they fell at that stage.
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In the following three appearances, they suffered early eliminations, in the round of 16 in 2020/21 and in the group stage in the last two seasons. No wonder, Xavi called this Tuesday’s clash the most important for the team in the irregular 2023/24.
“It’s the most important game of this season so far. We are motivated, excited. It’s been four years since we reached the quarterfinals. We have to compete against a great rival, who is not going through the best moment, but has the basis of last year, when he was national champion. I hope it will be a magical night for Barcelona fans”, he highlighted.
Furthermore, the Champions League was Barcelona’s remaining accessible challenge this season, as the team is eight points behind leader Real Madrid in the Spanish Championship, in addition to having already been eliminated in the Copa del Rey.
In the midst of a troubled season, Xavi decided to announce that he will not remain as coach for next year.
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