Barcelona manager Xavi has stated that Barcelona’s 11-point gap at the top of the La Liga table is not insurmountable for second-placed Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana extended their lead at the top of the table thanks to Real Madrid’s absence in La Liga at the weekend due to their participation at the FIFA Club World Cup.

While the Los Blancos may have enjoyed the fifth FIFA Club World Cup final and title win, they would be concerned about their lack of consistency on the home front as they are 11 points behind thanks to Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.

Despite the victory, Xavi is not getting carried away and believes that Real Madrid are only lurking behind with 17 games left.

“It is not an insurmountable distance; there are 17 games left. I’m happy; we have a very good run of results, [it’s] extraordinary. We are solid, serious, and hardworking. These games are costly, and it is one more example that the team is solid.” He said after the win.

The Spaniard was also disappointed with the decision-making of his players and berated the number of potential goals they could have scored, which did not happen. However, he was appreciative of the three points which he believes will be vital in the race for the title.

Real Madrid can cut the point gap to 8 points if they can manage a victory against Elche on Wednesday in La Liga, while Barcelona would battle Manchester United in the Europa League.

While Real Madrid are seven points ahead of their city rivals Atletico Madrid who’s at fourth, Real Sociedad is already catching up with Carlo Ancelotti’s men as they are just three points away from second place.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu