‘We are back’: Barcelona and Xavi react to stunning clásico win at Real Madrid

Two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, along with one each from Ronald Araújo and Ferran Torres, crystallised Barcelona’s rapid improvement under Xavi Hernández in a 4-0 win at Real Madrid on Sunday. Real Madrid still lead La Liga by nine points from Sevilla – Barça are a further three behind in third – but the old rivals now appear to be moving in different directions.

“We didn’t expect this result, but our objective was achieved. We came to win and show what we are worth,” Sergio Busquets said. “If we still have a small chance to make a run for the title, we will fight until the end. It’s very difficult but in football anything can happen. We are Barça.”

Shortly after the game, Gerard Piqué posted “We are back” on social media, while Aubameyang lauded “the beginning of the new era” – and their manager did not disagree. “Maybe we can say we’re back,” Xavi said. “This is the path to follow. This is the way we want to play. It was a complete performance. We were much better than Madrid. We played almost as the home team at their ground.”

Xavi was not entirely satisfied, though. “You have to run, you have to help the full-backs, you have to press,” he said. “It was 4-0 but in another game it could be 1-0 and losing the ball could cost us. A game of football lasts 90 minutes.

Hello from the finished player