Xavi Hernandez, the coach of Barcelona, said the Tuesday Champions League encounter against FC Porto as a moment that could potentially shift the trajectory for his team in their bid to secure a spot in the last 16.
The chance for the Catalans to advance from Group H with two games in hand slipped away as they experienced an unexpected 1-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine in Hamburg at the start of November.
A home victory against second-placed Porto will not only propel Barcelona into the knockout phase but also ease the tension accumulated during a somewhat turbulent month of form.
‘It’s a very important match, it’s vital. If we win we would be assured of finishing in the top two, after two years without being able to qualify for the last 16,’ Xavi said at Monday’s pre-match news conference.
In 2015, Barcelona captured their fifth European title in what happened to be Xavi’s last season as a player at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s struggles to move past the group stage in the last two seasons, resulting in Europa League participation, have reignited worries amidst the club’s unsettling series of lackluster performances.
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Barcelona finds themselves four points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid after a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, also trailing Girona and Atletico Madrid.
‘Lately, things have not been going the way we want but we are on the right path. We believe in what we are doing,’ said Xavi, who has faced heavy criticism in Spain for the nature of his team’s displays.
‘We need to be very demanding of our ourselves and be self-critical, because we’re no longer at the same level we were a month and a half or two months ago.’
‘Tomorrow is a great opportunity. We can confirm our place in the round of 16 after five matches. It could be a turning point.’
A crippling cruciate ligament injury suffered on Spain duty means Barcelona will have to do without teenage midfielder Gavi for the rest of the season.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the goalkeeper, is in doubt for the Porto game due to a back injury suffered while away with the German national team.
‘Ter Stegen will be tested tomorrow to see how much he’s suffering and if he’s ready for the match. He’s virtually not trained with the group but he’s always there to bring something extra to the team,’ said Xavi.