El Clasico: Barcelona's Title Hopes Hinge on Victory

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez believes that a victory in the upcoming El Clasico is crucial for his team's hopes of challenging Real Madrid for the La Liga title. The Catalan giants trail their arch-rivals by eight points with just seven games remaining in the season.

Real Madrid have been in impressive form this season, winning 24 of their 31 league matches and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona, on the other hand, have struggled to keep pace, losing their second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Xavi is aware of the importance of the El Clasico and knows that a win would give his team a much-needed boost in their title bid. "We have to win the Clasico," Xavi said. "It's the only way we can stay in the title race."

Real Madrid will be looking to extend their winning streak to five matches in La Liga when they host Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts have not lost in their last 16 league games and will be confident of maintaining their dominance over their rivals.

Barcelona, however, have a strong record at the Bernabeu, having won 17 of their last 38 meetings there. They will also be buoyed by the return of Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 13 goals in La Liga this season.

The El Clasico is one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in world football and is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Barcelona will be desperate to win to keep their title hopes alive, while Real Madrid will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Tags: #ElClasico, #LaLiga, #RealMadrid, #Barcelona, #XaviHernandez