Barcelona should focus on breaking into the top four before they even consider themselves as title contenders. Looking at the La Liga table and current form, it should be clear to anyone. But Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti still took a swipe at the fierce rival when given the chance.The experienced Italian was asked about Xavi’s optimistic comments in which the former Barca player and the current manager said that his club could still compete for the top spot in the Spanish championship. Ancelotti’s response was icy cold.”Are Barcelona a direct rival to us? They’re further back than Sevilla, Atletico, Betis. But Barca have the quality to fight until the end. If I were the coach of Barcelona, I’d say exactly the same.”Abde’s goal, Xavi’s reaction 🔥🔥#OsasunaBarça pic.twitter.com/lXACVQHl42— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 12, 2021 Xavi Hernandez oversaw the painful Champions League exit as well as some barely tolerable performances in the league. He knows that the club’s reputation and the fanbase demand more from him and his team. Two wins in the next three days are a must.”It’s proving harder than we expected, but this doesn’t stop. We have to be positive and keep showing that the team’s improving and we’re on the right path. We’ve improved in some respects, but results haven’t accompanied us yet. But seeing how hard we’re working and the rhythm of the training sessions, we’re positive. We urgently need to end the year with six points against Elche on Saturday and Sevilla on Tuesday.”Barca are still missing Ansu Fati and Pedri for the game against Elche, among others, but Xavi confirmed both Jordi Alba and Ousmane Dembele will be available.Two wins in those two games would surely improve the mood at Camp Nou. But would it mean that Barca are again La Liga contenders? At least they would be on the right track.LA LIGA – Round 18FridayCelta Vigo – Espanyol 3-1 (1-0)/Mina 3, Aspas 47, Suarez 82 – Moron 90+2/Saturday Rayo Vallecano – Alaves 2-0 (2-0)/Guardiola 19, Catena 26/18:15 Real Sociedad – Villarreal20:30 Barcelona – Elche23:00 Sevilla – Atletico MadridSunday16:00 Granada – Mallorca18:15 Athletic Club – Real Betis20:30 Getafe – Osasuna23:00 Real Madrid – CadizMonday 23:00 Levante – Valencia***odds are subject to change
