Real and Villarreal show La Liga not far behind Premier League, says Xavi
Real Madrid and Villarreal reaching the Champions League semi-finals this week showed the strength of La Liga, Barcelona manager Xavi said on Wednesday as he eyes a return to Europe's elite competition next season. Real knocked out holders Chelsea while Villarreal stunned German champions Bayern Munich to reach the last four of the competition on Tuesday. Xavi could only watch on as his side are in action on Thursday in the second tier Europa League, hosting Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their quarter-final.


