Xavi thinks Clasico will be a good test for Barca

FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said that his team would face an examination in Wednesday's El Clasico against rivals Real Madrid in the first Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia.

"It could be a turning point," Xavi told a news conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday. "Winning a Clasico will put us in the final and give credibility to our project. We have put LaLiga aside to focus on a great competition. It's a title."

Xavi said there would be no excuses despite the match coming so early in his reign, less than two months after he replaced Ronald Koeman as Barca head coach.

"The match arrives when it arrives," he said. "Sure, we need more time, it is evident, but we cannot make excuses. Barca always have to compete. For us, Wednesday will be like an exam."

It will be Xavi's first Clasico as a coach, but having faced Real numerous times as a player, he knows what to expect.

"It could be a turning point," Xavi told a news conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Tuesday. "Winning a Clasico will put us in the final and give credibility to our project. We have put LaLiga aside to focus on a great competition. It's a title."

Xavi said there would be no excuses despite the match coming so early in his reign, less than two months after he replaced Ronald Koeman as Barca head coach.

"The match arrives when it arrives," he said. "Sure, we need more time, it is evident, but we cannot make excuses. Barca always have to compete. For us, Wednesday will be like an exam."

It will be Xavi's first Clasico as a coach, but having faced Real numerous times as a player, he knows what to expect.