Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez celebrated a significant victory on Tuesday as his team defied critics and secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in four years. The 3-1 triumph over Napoli at home propelled Barcelona to a 4-2 aggregate victory in the last-16 tie, marking a notable return to form for the five-time Champions League winners who had faced recent disappointments in the competition.
After struggling to progress beyond the group stage in the previous two seasons and facing elimination in the round of 16 in 2020-21, Barcelona's advancement to the quarterfinals comes as a significant achievement amidst a season of inconsistent performances. Xavi, who announced his departure from the club at the end of the season in January, emphasized the resilience of his team in the face of unfair criticism and intense pressure.
Addressing the media, Xavi expressed his frustration with the unwarranted scrutiny and pressure placed on his players, highlighting the criticism and doubts they faced leading up to the crucial match against Napoli. He dismissed the notion that Barcelona was the subject of ridicule in the Champions League, emphasizing the team's determination to prove their worth on the field.
Xavi hailed the victory over Napoli as one of his best moments as Barcelona coach, emphasizing the significance of the qualification to the quarterfinals. With pride, he noted Barcelona's status among the top eight teams in Europe, reflecting on the team's collective effort and resilience in achieving the coveted spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.
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