Barcelona were able to score a big win over Real Betis in LaLiga this weekend behind an incredible day from winger Ferran Torres, but they weren’t able to close the gap between themselves and rivals Real Madrid.
Los Blancos controversially came from being down 2-0 against lowly Almería, scoring in the 99th minute via right back Dani Carvajal. There was rightfully plenty of controversy regarding the missed calls in this game, which gifted Madrid three points.
Plenty of productive discussions should continue to be held regarding the quality of officiating in LaLiga and how to upgrade the standard, but this has been an issue affecting all teams for years; there is no bias or boogeyman here.
But don’t tell Xavi that. The Barcelona icon channeled his inner Ronald Koeman at a recent press conference with a diatribe directed at the refs, going so far as to lament his team won’t win LaLiga because of the officiating.
🗣️Xavi on La Liga refereeing after Real Madrid’s win over Almeria
“It’s going to be very difficult to win this league. I said that in Getafe. I saw things that did not fit with me. There have been many incidents. The Getafe penalty, the incident with Raphinha in Vallecas and the… pic.twitter.com/aszZpvcKW7
— Football España (@footballespana_) January 21, 2024
Xavi can complain about Real Madrid, but Girona are also whooping Barcelona
What makes this statement especially ridiculous is the fact that a third big club in LaLiga won this weekend, and that big club is Girona, led by Artem Dovbyk’s sensational hat trick in a 5-1 trouncing of Sevilla.
Girona are actually a point ahead of Real Madrid in the table and eight points ahead of Barcelona. Xavi can complain about Barça’s historic rivals all he wants and allege unfair treatment from the refs, but what about Girona?
The reality is that the defending champions only have themselves to blame for their inconsistency. Star center back Jules Koundé took accountability on behalf of the players, so why is Xavi ranting and raving about the officials?
Look, the league is not lost for Barcelona. They are the defending champions for a reason and still have many of the key players from last season in defense, as well as Robert Lewandowski at striker as the reigning Pichichi winner.
Losses in midfield and Lewa’s apparent decline are storylines, but Barça have also added real talents, too, namely right winger Lamine Yamal. Xavi should stop the Koeman-like excuses and focus on what he can do to help the club he loves.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
