MX23RW : Friday, April 29 02:42:10| >> :120:11803:11803:
[monks data]
Feb 17, 2022 at 5.45pm UK at Camp Nou
Barcelona
1 - 1
Napoli
Torres (59' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-1)
Zielinski (29')
Zambo Anguissa (39'), Fabian (70'), Meret (90+1')

Xavi: 'We want to be in the Champions League'

Xavi: 'We want to be in the Champions League'
© Reuters
Ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Napoli, Barcelona boss Xavi concedes that his side are frustrated not to be in the Champions League.

Barcelona boss Xavi has conceded that his side are frustrated not to be in the Champions League, as they prepare for their first ever Europa League fixture this week.

Having failed to progress through the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years, the Catalan giants are currently competing in the Europa League.

Napoli will visit Camp Nou on Thursday evening for the first leg of their knockout round playoff contest, with both sides used to playing in Europe's leading competition.

Xavi has admitted that Barcelona are "angered" not to be a part of the Champions League knockout round, but the Spaniard is determined to enjoy success in Europe this term.

"Let's not fool ourselves," AS quotes Xavi as saying at his pre-match press conference. "We'd like to be in the Champions League and we're angered that we're not, but we're in the Europa League.

"It's an opportunity and if we win it we'll qualify for the Champions League. I see it as an opportunity. Two seasons ago Barcelona played Napoli in the Champions League. We're motivated for this game."

Barcelona, who lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League round of 16, last played in the UEFA Cup in 2003-04, reaching the fourth round before losing to Celtic.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33246369294078
2Barcelona33189661332863
3Sevilla331712449272263
4Atletico MadridAtletico33187859392061
5Real Betis331761056381857
6Real Sociedad33151083231155
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8Athletic Bilbao33121293934548
9Osasuna33128133444-1044
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11Rayo Vallecano33117153438-440
12Celta Vigo33109143637-139
13Espanyol33109143745-839
14ElcheElche33108153644-838
15Getafe33811143137-635
16Mallorca3388172954-2532
17CadizCadiz33613142946-1731
18Granada33612153656-2030
19Levante33510184165-2425
20AlavesAlaves3367202655-2925

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