El Clasico: Reborn Barcelona rekindle magic with Real Madrid rout

If Barcelona wanted to prove their resurgence under Xavi should be taken seriously then silencing the Bernabeu and simultaneously rekindling the magic of El Clasico after a period of Real Madrid dominance was some statement.

The Catalan giants have been reborn under their legendary former midfielder and after Sunday's historic and emphatic victory against the runaway La Liga leaders it looks certain Xavi will only further that legacy from the dugout.

«We are back,» tweeted veteran defender Gerard Pique minutes after the visitors completed a dominant 4-0 drubbing of their oldest and fiercest rivals to end a run of five successive losses in the encounter.

That was poignant coming from a man who has experienced more Clasicos than most, through the intensity of the Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi era, under the highs of Pep Guardiola's mesmerising side and more recently during the upheaval caused by Barca's financial struggles.

It would still take a serious collapse for Real Madrid to not be celebrating a 35th title with their fans at the Cibeles Fountain in the heart of the Spanish capital come the end of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side remain nine points clear of Sevilla and 12 ahead of third-placed Barcelona at the top of La Liga, but Barcelona have now set the tone for the future of this iconic encounter.

«We changed our negative dynamic of losing the last few Clasicos,» said Xavi. «We've proved we can compete and play against the best sides in the world.

»I don't know if we can win the title. We can't rule out anything. Maybe we're a bit late but this is a very big win for us."

«I'm very proud of my team. This is El Clasico and can only help us going forward. There's still a lot to do.»

After losing their way under