Xavi urges Barca “to make a statement at Wanda Metropolitano”.

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez likened a win against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday to a “bang on the table” moment for his team. Barcelona are level with arch rivals Real Madrid on 38 points after 15 matches at the top of the Spanish La Liga, while Atletico are 11 points back in fourth and focused on the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification for next term. Xavi’s side have looked unconvincing since the season resumed after the 2022 FIFA World Cup – they played out a 1-1 draw in an ill-tempered contest against local rivals Espanyol in La Liga last weekend, and laboured to a 4-3 victory over third-tier outfit CF Intercity in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Xavi has no new injury concerns, but star forward Robert Lewandowski and Jordi Alba will miss the Atletico game due to suspension.