Xavi congratulates Real Madrid for La Liga title as Barcelona beat Mallorca

Barcelona manager Xavi on Sunday congratulated arch rivals Real Madrid for winning their 35th La Liga title a day earlier as his side beat Mallorca 2-1 at home to cement their place in the second position of the league table.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Real Madrid, because they are champions because of their merits…,” Xavi said after the match, which was a hard-fought affair.

A resurgent Barcelona expectedly dominated possession in the first half of the match against Mallorca. However, the first 45 minutes proved to be a cagey affair which saw Mallorca spurn a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead.

Also read | Siuuu again? Elanga explains partnership with Ronaldo before Brentford game

As the game went on, Barcelona punished Mallorca for their missed chances, with Memphis Depay netting superbly from a Jordi Alba through ball in the 25th minute.

A much improved Barcelona performance in the second half saw the hosts double their lead through Sergio Busquets in the 54th minute. Although Mallorca managed to pull one back in the 79th minute, Barcelona held on for an important three points.

Also read | ‘You have to be realistic’: Ralf Rangnick on whether Man Utd is a top club

“I am satisfied with the result and the image. It was a match that we had to win 3-0 and put an end to the suspense, even if they no longer created any danger for us. These are three points that reassure us and bring us closer to the goal of the Champions League,” the Barca manager said, savouring the victory over Mallorca.

Commenting on the return of promising youngster Ansu Fati, who was subbed on late in the game, Xavi said, “Ansu is a special player. He has the goal in him and that’s why I see him more as a 9. It’s true that he’s not yet at the right pace, but I’m very happy for him. This is great news for Barca.”

Also read | ‘Man of the match today’: Lampard hails Everton fans after win over Chelsea

The match also saw veteran Barca centre-back Gerard Pique get injured, but Xavi did not provide any update on the 35-year-old’s injury.

Despite Pique’s injury, however, Barcelona will be relieved with the victory, which takes them two points clear of third-placed Sevilla, with an equal number of games played.

With four matches left, La Liga is poised for an exhilarating finish, especially with regard to the top four: while Real Madrid have already sealed their spot at the top with 81 points, Barcelona are second with 66 points, Sevilla third with 64, and Atletico Madrid fourth with 61 points.