Xavi explains why he was shown red card in Atletico Madrid win
- Xavi shown red card during Barcelona's 3-0 win in Spanish capital
- The Spaniard set to serve his third touchline ban of the season
- Catalan giants have gone unbeaten since Xavi announced intention to step down
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez says he was shown a red card against Atletico Madrid because of gestures he made on the touchline, not because of anything he'd said.
The Spaniard was given his marching orders by Jose Maria Sanchez just before the half-time interval of a game Barcelona went on to comfortably win 3-0. Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez were the goalscorers for the Catalan giants - the former netting against the club's he currently on loan from.
The win was arguably Barcelona's most impressive of the season - extending their run to ten games unbeaten in all competitions - and inflicted Atleti's first home La Liga defeat of the campaign.
But shortly after Felix's opening goal, Xavi was sent to the stands to watch the remainder of the game, having been shown two quick fire yellow cards by the referee.
“The referee said he sent me off for my gestures. I didn’t say absolutely anything," Xavi told reporters after the game. "I’m always respectful. If I make gestures it’s because I’m very passionate."
Xavi has been no stranger to bookings this season, having already served two separate touchline bans in 2023/24 for his conduct towards referees.
Xavi has been no stranger to touchline controversy this season, having already served two separate touchline bans for his conduct towards referees. And a third suspension is now incoming, likely consigning him to the stands for Barcelona's upcoming games against Las Palmas and Cadiz.
Crucially, Xavi's ban will not extend to European competition, meaning he's free to be in the dugout for Barcelona's upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg tie with French giants Paris Saint-Germain - a game the legendary midfielder insists his side are the underdogs in despite their recent run of form.
"It's really difficult. [PSG] are one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced," Xavi told reporters prior to dismantling Atletico. "But we're excited. We have the return leg at home. It's time to dream, and show that we can compete.
"Perhaps I'd say PSG are favourites. History aside, because we've won more Champions Leagues, financially right now it's not the same, with what they've spent and what we've spent. But you have to perform on the pitch."
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