08 December,2021 07:53 AM IST | Munich | Agencies
Barcelona manager Xavi. Pic/Getty Images
Barcelona manager Xavi is confident that his team can beat Bayern Munich in their crucial UEFA Champions League clash despite being dealt a reality check by Real Betis on Saturday.
Four weeks after Xavi was appointed, Barca suffered their first defeat under the new coach on Saturday (0-1).
Barca's next game is a daunting trip to Munich on Wednesday, where a win will seal their place in the Last 16 of the Champions League. However, a draw or defeat will send them to the Europa League if Benfica manage to beat Dynamo Kiev on the night. "The team is capable of going to Munich and winning," Xavi said.
"That's the objective. We depend on ourselves. We're going to one of the toughest grounds in the world, but we're going there to give everything and to compete," he added.
There have been glimpses of innovation and change, but the overriding sense is of familiar flaws being underlined and expectations being further downgraded. "It [defeat to Real Betis] is a shame and I hope it doesn't affect us. On Wednesday we have to compete like animals to try to get through," added the former Barcelona midfielder.
The most likely scenario though is that Barca finish third and drop into the Europa League, a competition they could win if they took it seriously and one that would also offer them an alternative route back into the Champions League next year.
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