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.

The tie is level after a 1-1 draw in last week's first leg in Germany. However, Xavi praised his Spanish rivals for their progress and said it showed the quality of the league. "What happened on Tuesday shows that La Liga is not far behind the Premier League," Xavi told a news conference.

"No matter what, La Liga will always be La Liga and it's very competitive. I saw both games. I am a soccer fan.

And in the end our main goal is to be back in the Champions League. "By the way, Villarreal are a big club now, aren't they? You all should put them on your big clubs list." The Europa League represents Barca's only realistic chance of lifting a trophy this season as Real have a 12 point advantage at the top of the La Liga standings. Barca are second, level on 30 points with third-placed Sevilla.

However, Xavi denied there was pressure on his side to win silverware due to Real's form. "It is the history of Barca that demands of us, not Madrid," the Spanish coach said. "We do not look at Real Madrid to mirror ourselves.

Our history is our biggest pressure and responsibility. "Since (former player and coach) Johan Cruyff came, he set a bar for himself. Win by playing well.