FC Barcelona coach says is important for his team to get a win their UEFA Champions League game on Wednesday, October 25 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona are currently top of their group in the ongoing Champions League and a win in their next game would almost guarantee them a place in the round of 16.
The Catalans have failed to qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League since the 2020/21 when Argentine talisman Lionel Messi was at the club.
They dropped down to the UEFA Europa League in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Speaking in the pre-match conference, Xavi stated that their target is to get nine points out of nine.
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“For us it is a vital game and really important in terms of getting out the group,” fcbarcelona.com quoted Xavi as saying.
“The three points against Shakhtar tomorrow are key for our objective. This is the Champions League, the biggest championship there is for clubs and us getting nine points out of nine is very important.
“I don’t need to take anyone’s mind off Saturday’s game against Real Madrid because the Champions League makes you focused and switched on. We are focused on tomorrow’s game against Shakhtar are a dynamic side, strong and I think they will cause us problems. We can’t lose our focus.
“Shakhtar are in a difficult situation, it’s uncomfortable. Speaking in only footballing terms, they have changed coach and now they have Srna who I know well and respect a lot. The team has quality players even though perhaps they are not well known and technically they are very good.”
The two clubs last faced in the 2010/11 edition of the Champions League with the Catalans defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-1 in the first leg and also winning the second leg 1-0.
The Xavi Hernandez led side are currently first place in Group H of the 2023/24 Champions League with six points after matchday two.
Shakhtar Donetsk are third in the group with three points from the first two matches.
Barcelona are third position in the Laliga standings after accumulating a total of 24 points from 10 matches.
After their Champions League fixture against Shakhtar they will play Real Madrid on Saturday October 28 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
