Xavi Talks Up Real Madrid As Favourites for Victory in El Clasico

• Xavi believes that Real Madrid are favourites heading into their Copa del Rey semi-final fixture
• Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Madrid learned from their mistakes and will do better against Barcelona
• Barcelona coach Xavi admits that Vinicius Junior is a dangerous player who needed to be watched

Barcelona and Real Madrid are gearing up for another El Clasico, this time in the Copa del Rey.

The two giants of Spanish football will contest the first leg of the semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona goes into the clash having won the last meeting between the two sides in the Spanish Supercopa final, but Xavi still feels that Los Blancos are still favourites," Tribuna reported.

“I think Real Madrid are the favourite to win the game.

Xavi: Madrid are favourites for Copa del Rey Clasico

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"They are the league champions and also the last winner of the Champions League. Despite the Super Copa, I think Real Madrid are the favourites," he added.

Vinicius makes a difference

Another reason Xavi believes Madrid have the edge is because of a player like Vinicius Jr.

“Vinicius makes the difference. He is an exceptional player and he scores goals. He is a player to be watched as he is at a very high level," he explained.

Madrid to learn from mistakes

While Xavi was praising the opponent before the big game, Carlo Ancelotti was only focused on what his side could do better.

The Real Madrid boss admitted that they learned from their loss in the Supercopa final, Marca noted.

"We have assessed everything. In the Supercopa, we lacked commitment and decisiveness, with individual mistakes that won't be repeated," he said.

Ancelotti prepares for El Clasico

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Barcelona to expect a different game when the Catalan giants face off against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.

Cesc Fabregas hails Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr as next Ronaldinho

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Los Blancos were outplayed by their arch-rivals in the Spanish Super Cup final as Xavi’s men ran out 3-1 winners to lift their first trophy under the Spanish manager.

Ancelotti has now vowed that the mistakes made in the Super Cup loss will not be repeated, Sports Brief reported.