Who’s now laughing? — Xavi questions critics after Barcelona UCL progression

Following Barcelona’s progression into the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final, Xavi Hernandez has responded to his side’s critics, by asking “Who’s laughing now?”

Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at Napoli in the first leg of the tie, but the Catalan side defeated the Partonepie 3-1 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday, to progress into the quarter-final with a 4-2 score aggregate.

Responding to the unfair criticisms he and his players were subjected to, Xavi said, “We have received unfair criticism. There has been too much pressure on the players like ultimatums, life or death.

“It was said that we were the joke of the Champions League — who is laughing now?

“I tried to take the pressure off the players, to tell them to calm down and that nobody was dying today.

“This was one of my best moments as a coach. I am really happy and proud. All the players, young and old, have taken an important step forward, this is an important day for Barcelona.”

Xavi and Barcelona will know their quarter-final opponent for the 2023/24 UCL season, when the draw takes place on Friday, February 15.