Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said that Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in a pre-season El Clasico friendly played in Texas should not mislead the fans as the drug runners continue to prepare for the new season.

Barcelona and Real Madrid went head-to-head in a feisty encounter on Saturday, with the Catalonians coming up on top with a 3-0 win blowing away the Los Blancos. Ousmane Dembele scored an early goal which was followed by late strikes from youngster Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres.

However, the scoreline did not show how cagey the encounter was as Real Madrid struck the woodwork five times, including a header from summer signing Jude Bellingham.

Perhaps it is one of the reasons why Xavi said that while the results were favorable, his players did not play a good match.

“The result is a bit misleading; We shouldn’t be overconfident. The result is very favourable, but it doesn’t mean we played a super match. It was a very even match in which Madrid also had many chances. There are many things to improve.” said Barca coach Xavi Hernandez.

Barcelona started the game in front as summer signing Oriol Romeu struck the woodwork in the fourth minute of the game, just moments before French forward Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring by sliding home Pedri’s pullback.

Moments later, Real Madrid had the opportunity to equalize when Ronald Araujo handled the ball in the box as Real Madrid was awarded a penalty only for Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior to hit the woodwork from the spot.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said that the result is the least important thing as he will keep the good things the team did.

Barca will face AC Milan next in Las Vegas on August 2, while Real Madrid will play Juventus in Orlando on August 3.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu