The memes about Xavi are pure jealousy
Beyond the memes about the pitch or the sun, what really matters is winning the league. And Barça have a decisive match this afternoon to achieve it. Xavi is smart enough not to fall into the traps of the Madrid media cave. They bark, then we ride. The jokes fade into the background when a title is at stake. And the Blaugrana coach is aware of that. All those who want to mock the coach's statements do so in an attempt to belittle a title that has a lot of value. For what it represents, after three years of drought, and for how it has been achieved: with a solvency that generates envy in our rivals.
Barça, to date, have won 23 of the 29 matches played, with only four draws and two defeats. Their defensive security (only nine goals conceded) has allowed them to take a lead (11 points over Madrid with nine games to go) which is evidence of the Blaugrana's footballing superiority. The unfunny jokes about Xavi are just a reaction of impotence that demonstrates the animosity of the rivals in the face of the supremacy shown by the Culé team throughout the season.
Nobody has played better than Barça. Nor have they scored more points. Now all that remains is to certify this spectacular trajectory with a title that only has Blaugrana colours. A win this afternoon against Atlético at the Spotify Camp Nou would end the 'mini-crisis' that opened up after the draws against Girona and Getafe. And it would mean taking the definitive step towards the league title that has been so hard to win and that has so much merit.
BARÇA WOMEN'S TEAM, ONE STEP AWAY FROM THE FINAL
A merit that must also be awarded to Barça women, who are one step away from their third consecutive Champions League final after defeating Chelsea yesterday at Stamford Bridge 1-0. The Culé side won the title in a perfect 2021, lost the decisive match in 2022 and in this 2023, despite the crucial absence of Alexia Putellas, want to prove themselves again as the best team in Europe. Caroline Graham Hansen's goal in London is worth its weight in gold.
The hard work they have put in throughout the campaign deserves the reward of qualifying for the final on June 3 at PSV Eindhoven's ground. Jonathan Giraldez's team could have gone further ahead, but the English side, with a rowdy stadium, managed to avoid the killer blow. The Spotify Camp Nou will decide who goes through next Thursday. The fans will be sure not to miss out.
