Speaking to beIN Sports, Xavi Hernandez has admitted that he thought Barcelona had the Liga BBVA title wrapped up earlier in the season.
The legendary playmaker has admitted that when Barca faced Real in the Clasico on April 2nd, the title was already a done deal.
“Barcelona already looked like champions,” the Spain international began, when asked about the Clasico, “just by comparing the difference in points with Real Madrid.”
Barca had a 10-point lead over Real heading into the Clasico, an advantage that was cut down to a still-considerable seven after the loss.
Xavi sobre #ElClásico: “El FCB ya se veía campeón comparando la diferencia de puntos con el RM ” #UniversoValdano pic.twitter.com/v0bHglp5fK
— beIN SPORTS ESPAÑA (@beINSPORTSes) May 1, 2016
A month ago, however, there was a considerable gap between the two sides, with Barca already cruising to the championship. Today, the opposite is in fact the case.
Before their defeat at the hands of Real, Luis Enrique’s side appeared to be cruising towards the Spanish title, but that loss precipitated a decline in form.
Following their slump—and a resurgence in form by both Real and Atletico—only one point separates the three La Liga giants.
Indeed, the race for the title is now nowhere near as clear cut as Xavi once thought it was.
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Barca were lacklustre as they saw off ten-men Real Betis on Saturday, while Real and Atletico both kept up with the leaders with victories over Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano respectively.
While Barcelona have won their last three matches, they have been unconvincing, and it would be little surprise if either of their rivals from the capital overhaul them.
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