Xavi had doubts about starting El Clasico hero

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he had doubts about whether or not to play Sergi Roberto or Franck Kessie in Sunday’s El Clasico at Camp Nou.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid thanks to a last-gasp effort by Ivorian midfielder Kessie in additional time at the end of the second half, but a goal at the end of the first half from Sergi Roberto saved the Blaugrana at a time when they were vulnerable. 

Barcelona were headed for the break with a 1-0 deficit after Ronald Araujo’s own goal put Real Madrid in front after just 10 minutes, but Sergi Roberto scored on the stroke of halftime to ensure that the league leaders’ job in the second half was not as complicated as it could have been. 

Speaking after the game, Xavi praised Roberto and revealed that he almost did not start the Catalan midfielder, saying, “I had doubts until the last moment, whether to put Roberto or Kessie. In the end, it turned out very well because they both scored and we won.” 

Kessie’s goal in the 92nd minute of the match turned out to be enough for Barcelona as they opened a 12-point gap between themselves and their closest challengers in LaLiga, Real Madrid, with only 12 games of the season left. 

The Catalan giants have now won three El Clasico fixtures in a row for the first time since 2012 and are almost guaranteed the league title, but will still have to work to ensure that they do not collapse in the final stages of the season.