The rivalry with Real Madrid is one that FC Barcelona have faced the consequences of for many years already. Both sides, one from Catalonia and one from Madrid, have been at each other’s throats for several decades by this point in time.
League title after league title, the two El Clasico rivals have been deservingly the best teams in Spain and have even dominated Europe for many years. As a result, slacking off is a privilege that neither of the two European sides have given the intensity and drive that motivates their other rival.
Consequently, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has motivated his players on continuing to perform at their best level and to ensure every single point that is possibly attainable ends up being taken by Barcelona with both hands.
Stating that Real Madrid are currently a strong team and given their perfect record, Los Blancos can not be given any extra room to breathe at this point in time. Even as it is still only the early days of the season, Barcelona have to ensure they stay hot on the tails of their El Clasico rivals.
Moreover, Xavi and his staff believe that the upcoming league games before the next international break are favorable for the Catalan giants, while still giving respect to their upcoming opponents.
Three games at the Montjuic Stadium against Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and Sevilla, and a game away from home against Mallorca are the schedule of opponents Barcelona will be facing in La Liga before the next international break on the 9th of October.
Betis, while admittedly a strong side, have suffered a draw and a defeat as their latest results. Celta Vigo, on the other hand, have been a bit disappointing under Rafa Benitez and have suffered two defeats and a draw already. Lastly, Sevilla currently sit at the bottom of the La Liga table with 0 points from their first three games.
Mallorca themselves also have two defeats and two draws to their name in La Liga since the beginning of the competition. Moreover, they are yet to score a singular goal at home this season and Barcelona will admittedly look to deliver another blow to their ongoing campaign as they look to take away all three points for themselves.
As it stands, FC Barcelona are currently sitting in third place behind Real Madrid and Girona. While Madrid have 12 points to their name from the first four games, Barcelona have managed 10 due to a draw against Getafe on their opening Matchday.
It will now be interesting to see if either of Barca or Real Madrid end up dropping points within their next four games before the upcoming international break.