Xavi entrusted Sergi Roberto with a key midfield role for Barcelona as the LaLiga front-runners took on Real Madrid in a titanic Clasico.

Barcelona went into Sunday's match at Camp Nou with a nine-point lead over second-placed Madrid, making the fixture hugely significant given just 12 rounds of games remain after the international break.

The hosts were without Pedri due to fitness concerns, and this was an occasion where Barcelona boss Xavi opted on the side of pragmatism, packing his midfield as Sergi Roberto stepped up from right-back, where he featured in last week's win over Athletic Bilbao.

Although Sergi Roberto has come in for criticism at times, Xavi is a former team-mate of his and considered him the right man for the big occasion, with Franck Kessie, another midfield option, named on the bench.

Ferran Torres was a starter against Athletic but dropped to the bench this time as Barcelona fielded a front two of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, with massed ranks behind them.

Sergi Roberto was joined in midfield by a fellow veteran campaigner in Sergio Busquets, with Frenkie de Jong in there too, along with teenage livewire Gavi.

Ronald Araujo returned from suspension at right-back, and his battle with Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was widely expected to be a key contest.

Madrid won 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu when these sides met in the league earlier in the season, but Barcelona snatched a 1-0 victory at the same venue in the Copa del Rey in early March.

Carlo Ancelotti's visitors were captained by Karim Benzema, with Eduardo Camavinga preferred to Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, where Luka Modric and Toni Kroos also featured.

Barcelona came into the game having lost five of their last six league Clasicos, with Madrid winning on their last two LaLiga visits to Camp Nou.

Los Blancos have only ever won three successive league games at Barcelona, between January 1963 and February 1965, but their title hopes for this season arguably rested on them repeating that feat.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants Xavi and Sergio Busquets to pen new contracts and extend their long associations with the club.

Former team-mates, Xavi is now head coach of the Blaugrana while Busquets remains an important part of their midfield with the Catalan side holding a nine-point lead over rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

But with Busquets' contract due to expire at the end of this season and Xavi's the year after, there was uncertainty over how much longer the two club legends would stay at Camp Nou.

However, Laporta clarified the situation and revealed the club is set to offer fresh deals to the pair.

"I have already thought about a renewal," Laporta told reporters. "I think we should renew him [Xavi] because he has earned it.

"He knows the house. He knows Barca. He doesn't ask us for crazy things [as per transfers]. He perfectly understands the situation of the club.

"We have talked about Busquets. He is essential in the dressing room, he has a way of playing that suits our system. Xavi wants him to continue.

"We have not made a specific proposal yet, but we will do it soon. We are evaluating it as a club to extend for another year."

After a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Manchester United knocked Barca out of the Europa League, Xavi said the club may need to invest in the transfer market if they are to compete in Europe again.

Asked what he felt Barca needed in future transfer windows, Laporta replied: "A left back, a centre back depending on the market, a striker and we'll see if a midfielder [is possible] depending on what comes out. 

"Up front we are missing a piece, but we must remember that our resources are limited."

Sergio Busquets acknowledged Barcelona are "angry" after their Europa League exit to Manchester United, but insists it will not affect their domestic form.

Xavi's side saw their European exploits come to an end for the season after they let a one-goal lead slip at Old Trafford in a 2-1 loss to the Premier League side.

With Erik ten Hag's men taking a 4-3 aggregate victory across both legs, it marks another disappointing to end to a continental campaign for the Blaugrana.

Barca remain top of LaLiga and in the hunt for Copa del Rey success though, and while Busquets touched on the sting of defeat, he was adamant they will be fine.

"In terms of spirit, it does take its toll," he told Movistar+. "We are angry, but the team is aware of where that comes from.

"We are good in the league, but in Europe, we lack that little point. We must aspire to win everything. We are on the right path, and I'm sure [this] won't take its toll on the team."

Defeat in the Europa League marked a second exit from a continental competition this season, with Barca having dropped into the second-tier competition from the Champions League.

In a group that also included Bayern Munich and Inter, they only managed a pair of wins over Viktoria Plzen, but Busquets shut down suggestions this latest result represents a similar failure.

"They have been different eliminations," he added. "In the Champions League, a lot of things happened that were incredible. We weren't good in some games.

"Today is different. This was a tie against one of the best teams in the Premier League. Defeat could happen."

Ferran Torres acknowledged falling into a "bottomless pit" amid struggles at Barcelona but remains committed to the long-term Blaugrana project under Xavi.

The Spain international struggled in his debut Camp Nou term after signing from Manchester City for an initial €55million (£46.3m) in December 2021.

Torres' profligate showings last season saw him finish with just four goals from 18 LaLiga games, despite accumulating an expected goals tally of 7.03.

That led to some criticism over the forward's return to Spain, having left Valencia for City in 2020, but he has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in recent weeks after impressing in Sunday's win over Cadiz.

While he continues to battle for a place in Xavi's side, Torres – who has scored just two goals in 19 league outings this term – detailed the initial struggles to settle at Barca.

He told reporters: "I felt that I had fallen into a bottomless pit. I had never collapsed so much. I promised Xavi that I would be me again.

"I put myself in the hands of a psychologist. I usually go once or twice a week. My family also helped me, I have a very healthy environment.

"I have learnt not to be so obsessed with goals. I have learned to be happy, to face things. I have had a bad time, but it has been a great opportunity to get to know myself."

Torres hailed the role of Blaugrana veteran and Spain team-mate Sergio Busquets, as well as Barca president Joan Laporta, as he fought to adapt and improve on his underwhelming form.

"The president is very close with everyone. All of my team-mates have helped me," he added. "Busquets told me that I should be calm. That the reward would end up coming."

The 22-year-old plans to stay and fight to prove his worth at LaLiga leaders Barca, with Xavi's impressive managerial skills at the forefront of his reasoning.

"I want to succeed at Barcelona, ​​I see myself here for many years," he continued. "I'm not to blame for the price they wanted to pay for me.

"I wanted to come because this is Barca and you can't say no.

"Xavi called me several times. He carries Barca in his veins and has won everything."

Torres will look to repay Xavi's faith as Barca head to Old Trafford on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League play-off clash with Manchester United, with the tie finely poised at 2-2.

"We will have to run like there is no tomorrow. It will be a game of patience and knowing how to suffer," he said.

"The Premier League is a very physical league, but we have a lot of talent and that's also important. We're going with everything and above all with young people ready to take on the world."

Xavi retains "blind confidence" in Ansu Fati and is baffled by talk of the Barcelona forward's future being uncertain.

Fati has made 20 appearances for Barca in LaLiga this season, but 13 of those have come from the bench with two of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Gavi usually preferred out wide of star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Reports this week credited Premier League trio Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal with an interest in Fati, who has scored three league goals and provided three assists in his limited playing time this term.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to Villarreal, Xavi said Spain international Fati can make a big impact now and in the future, questioning why rumours about his future were rife outside the transfer window.

"We expect a lot from him, I have blind confidence in him," Xavi said of the 20-year-old. "I have it with everyone. We have been shaping the squad based on what I wanted. 

"I have confidence with everyone and especially with Ansu. He is a player for the present and for the future. He has to have patience and give everything when he comes in, which he is doing.

"At this moment there is no one transferable. The market has finished, I don't know what we are doing talking about sales, we are playing the season. 

"We are talking about the sale of Ansu, who was not talked about all month in January. I don't understand it and even less in the Barcelona environment. I have a lot of hope for him."

Fati will hope to get a chance to impress at the Estadio de la Ceramica – he has scored four goals in five league appearances against Villarreal, more than against any other opponent. 

Barcelona must juggle two competitions in the coming weeks, with the first leg of a mouthwatering Europa League tie against United coming four days after their meeting with Villarreal.

Xavi, however, is taking things game by game, saying: "There is no priority, we want to win the titles for which we compete. The most important game is always the next one."

Barca are likely to be without captain Sergio Busquets for at least two weeks after the 34-year-old suffered a sprained ankle in last week's 3-0 win over Sevilla.

The Blaugrana great is yet to pen a new contract amid suggestions Inter Miami hope to lure him to Major League Soccer, and Xavi reiterated the midfielder will decide his own future.

"With Busi there will be no problem," Xavi said. "He knows that he is extremely important. He is a living legend and his personal decision will mark his future. Only he decides.

"We go as the president [Joan Laporta], Busi and I and there is a very good vibe. It will depend on Busi, what he wants to do."

Life is good at Manchester United right now – and it might be about to get better.

Erik ten Hag has guided United to third in the Premier League, perhaps still in title contention, while they will face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final.

Rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are facing various crises, and United's ambitions moving forward could be boosted by a lucrative takeover.

After making only loan signings in January as the Glazer family consider selling up, the outlook at Old Trafford might be about to change entirely.

TOP STORY – QATARI-BACKED MAN UTD BID DUE IN DAYS

According to the Daily Mail, a group of Qatari investors plan to buy United and give manager Ten Hag "the financial backing to lead the club back to the top".

The Glazers set a deadline of mid-February for bids, and an offer from the group is expected in the coming days.

The report says the group are confident their bid would "blow the competition out of the water".

This interest in United follows on the back of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the investors eager to secure ownership of "the crown jewels" of the footballing world.

ROUND-UP

– The Telegraph is reporting Manchester City's pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is at risk of being torpedoed by their potential financial breaches.

– According to Mundo Deportivo, Cristiano Ronaldo's team Al Nassr have offered 34-year-old Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets a contract worth €18million per season.

– Manchester United and Liverpool will both make a run at Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani, who impressed for France at the World Cup, per L'Equipe.

– Calciomercato is reporting Juventus will likely allow striker Dusan Vlahovic to leave at the end of the season if they receive a bid in the range of €90m.

– According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United have made 26-year-old Leicester City midfielder James Maddison a key target.

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets is a major doubt to face Manchester United next week after the LaLiga leaders confirmed he sprained his ankle against Sevilla.

Busquets was injured inside four minutes of Barca's 3-0 LaLiga win at Camp Nou on Sunday after being caught by Youssef En-Nesyri and was substituted off soon after.

The 34-year-old, who has played in 27 of Barcelona's 31 games this season, underwent a scan on Monday that revealed he has a lateral collateral ligament sprain in his left ankle.

While no official timeline has been given for Busquets' return, the former Spain international is reportedly facing at least two weeks on the sidelines.

That would rule Busquets out of LaLiga games against Villarreal and Cadiz, either side of the first leg of Barca's Europa League knockout play-off round with United on February 16.

Barca travel to Old Trafford the following week, before concluding this month's fixtures with a trip to Almeria in the league.

Busquets' future at Barca beyond this season remains unclear, with head coach Xavi reiterating this week the midfielder will have the final say on whether he stays or leaves.

Xavi's side are now eight points clear at the top of LaLiga, with their routine win against Sevilla coming shortly after Real Madrid's shock 1-0 loss at Real Mallorca.

Sergio Busquets hopes "competitive animal" Gavi can play a big part in a successful era for Barcelona after he starred in a 3-1 Supercopa de Espana final defeat of Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder scored the opening goal in Riyadh on Sunday before setting up Robert Lewandowski for the second late in the first half.

Gavi also laid one on a plate for Pedri in the second half of the El Clasico showdown at the King Fahd Stadium, where Xavi celebrated winning his first major trophy as Barca head coach.

Teenager Gavi was outstanding in the Blaugrana's record-extending 14th Supercopa triumph, causing the lacklustre European and LaLiga champions all sorts of problems.

Barca captain Busquets hailed the young Spain international and thinks he can make a big impact for the Catalan giants for years to come.

Busquets told Movista: "He [Gavi] is a competitive animal, at that age the players are in the youth team or in the subsidiary and he has played at an incredible level, scoring goals and giving assists.

"I would tell him to keep learning and listening. Hopefully he will mark an era at Barca."

Barca lead Los Blancos by three points in the LaLiga title and laid down a marker by outclassing them to take the first domestic trophy of the season.

Busquets added: "We couldn't miss this opportunity to win a title after a period of changes in coaches and players.

"We had hope and ambition, but at Barca you always demand to win and Xavi has reminded us of that."

Xavi expects taking "three golden points" off Atletico Madrid to give Barcelona "tremendous morale and confidence" in the LaLiga title race.

Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday to put Barca three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

The Blaugrana defended resolutely to take full advantage of Madrid's 2-1 defeat at Villarreal on Saturday, Ronald Araujo clearing off the line to deny Antoine Griezmann a stoppage-time equaliser against his former club.

Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres were sent off for a late off-the-ball clash, but that did not take the gloss off a big win for Barca in the absence of suspended striker Roberto Lewandowski.

Barca had been held to a frustrating draw by Espanyol in their first LaLiga game after the World Cup, so Xavi knew the importance of beating Diego Simeone's side in the capital.

He said: "It's a victory, but it's not just three points, it gives us tremendous morale and confidence for the remainder of the league.

"We are capable of winning in a field as difficult as this, suffering, being a family. Without playing as excellently as we did against Espanyol, today we have known how to suffer and we took three golden points. We hit the table to be candidates for this league [title]."

Xavi added: "Three golden points. We have taken advantage of our chance. They have pressed, and we have known how to suffer.

"And how important it is to keep a clean sheet. Just as I said on the Espanyol game that we deserved more, today perhaps without playing so well we got three points."

Captain Sergio Busquets felt the manner in which Barca dug deep to see out the win bodes well.

He said: "We started well, and we went ahead, but from then on they have pressed very well, it was difficult for us to have the ball and create chances.

"In the second half, although they came out very strongly, we managed to control the game. In the end, we suffered, but three very good points."

Sergio Busquets is "fundamental" to Barcelona and head coach Xavi says the club will do what they can to persuade the veteran midfielder to stay at Camp Nou.

The 34-year-old's deal expires at the end of the season, by which point he will have spent a decade-and-a-half with the senior team.

There have been rumours over the past few months that Busquets, who retired from Spain duty following their last-16 exit at the World Cup, will depart the club at the end of the campaign and make a move to MLS in the United States.

Speaking ahead of his side's LaLiga derby with Espanyol, Xavi revealed talks have not been held over an extension so far, but he hopes Busquets will be persuaded to stay.

"We haven't talked about this," he said. "There are six months of matches left, so we will see how it goes. We are focused on what happens this year.

"We cannot make plans for the following season, but we are waiting for him. It is his decision. 

"He has a contract until June and then we will see. It’s more a personal feeling of his. How he sees himself in the team, for me, he is fundamental. It will depend on him, more than on the club and me, but we will try to convince him."

Barcelona resume their domestic season atop LaLiga, with a two-point cushion, though they may have been overhauled by rivals Real Madrid when they take to the field against Espanyol.

After the uncertainty of the past few seasons, Xavi is working towards making Barcelona regular contenders for silverware again and is confident his side will pick up where they left off following the mid-season World Cup break.

"I have good feelings," he added. "People are in rhythm, with a winning mentality. I am happy what I have seen [in training] and I hope that we are at least [at the level again]."

While Robert Lewandowski has been handed a temporary suspension of his playing ban amid an appeal, Xavi is still looking to juggle his forward line around the Poland attacker.

Off-season buy Raphinha has failed to showcase the form he enjoyed at Leeds United, due partly to being played away from his preferred right flank.

Xavi acknowledges the Brazilian is being utilised out of his favoured position, but reiterated he believes he can still deliver on the left wing.

"Raphinha is more comfortable on the right, but he can help us on the left," he added. "He will adapt. I have spoken with him this week, and he is open."

Pedri hopes Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets stays with the Blaugrana, but identified Frenkie de Jong as a capable replacement for the evergreen midfielder.

Barca great Gerard Pique confirmed his retirement in November and Xavi's side may be set to lose another veteran, as Busquets nears the end of his contract in June.

The 34-year-old remains a pivotal part of Xavi's midfield trio, alongside youngsters Pedri and Gavi, helping Barca to sit two points clear of Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit heading into the World Cup.

While 20-year-old Pedri continues his seismic rise in both international and domestic football, Busquets called an end to his Spain career after their World Cup elimination in the last 16 to Morocco.

Pedri urged his midfield partner to continue with Barca past the end of his existing contract, though he feels De Jong could step into the role given his experience with the Netherlands.

"I would like him to continue, he is a key piece," he told Catalunya Radio. "Frenkie de Jong could be a good replacement for Busquets, he has played in that position with the Netherlands in the World Cup."

Spain's early World Cup exit in Qatar culminated in the departure of Luis Enrique - much to Pedri's disappointment - with Luis de la Fuente replacing him.

Meanwhile, team-mate Ousmane Dembele suffered final heartbreak with France, with the 20-year-old suggesting the winger has returned a different player after the agonising defeat to Argentina.

"[Luis Enrique] transmits things very well. It's a shame, but we will now play with Luis de la Fuente to the fullest," he added. "[Dembele] is now more professional than he was before, and it shows."

Pedri and Busquets will hope to pick up where they left off as Barcelona restart their LaLiga campaign against rivals Espanyol on December 31.

Xavi is the "best coach in the world", according to Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

A product of La Masia, Barca's famous academy, Xavi won LaLiga eight times and the Champions League on four occasions with the Blaugrana in a playing career that coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

However, financial troubles have plagued Barca in recent times, and they have failed to match the glory days under Pep Guardiola.

Xavi returned to Barca as head coach in 2021 following Ronald Koeman's sacking, and despite an early Champions League exit, the former midfielder led the team to the LaLiga summit heading into the World Cup break.

The 42-year-old has outlined the need to deliver silverware at Camp Nou this season, and Laporta is encouraged.

Laporta believes Xavi is the best coach out there, and says the 42-year-old's emotional attachment with the club is helping him to bring success back to Camp Nou.

"I say we need to win titles this season. I totally agree with Xavi," Laporta told Barca TV.

"I am very lucky to have the best coach in the world, because Xavi, in addition to his great football knowledge, is a man who is always very interesting to listen to with his reasoning, who is also a club man and is very aligned with the club.

"We share moments together, and also we share much of everything that is being done, and I feel very accompanied and supported with Xavi and all his staff.

"They are people in whom we all have full confidence in their knowledge but also in their sense of the club, which is very important, very important."

Xavi's former midfield partner Sergio Busquets is still in the playing squad at Camp Nou, although he is out of contract at the end of the season.

The recently retired Spain international has been linked with Inter Miami, who are also potential suitors for Lionel Messi, but Laporta says Barca are keen to keep him.

"Xavi counts on [Busquets], and he wants him to continue," the president added. "In other words, what we want is that, if possible, he continues.

"There are reports now in the winter market that he had offers from MLS and others.  

"Obviously, whatever Busquets decides is well decided, and the club will always be with him with what he needs and helping with what he needs. When the contract ends, then it will end.

"I don't know if he will decide this winter or continue until the end of the season. We want him to continue until the end of the season because Xavi has let me know [he still wants him].

"Busquets is also one of those that Barca is his home."

Luis de la Fuente tried to convince Sergio Busquets to postpone his international retirement, but the new Spain head coach will respect the veteran's call.

The 34-year-old called time on his career with La Roja following their World Cup exit to Morocco in the last 16, departing with 143 caps and two goals to his name.

Busquets' announcement came following the news De la Fuente would succeed Luis Enrique in charge of the national set-up, after their under-performance at Qatar 2022.

The new head coach has now revealed he sought to convince the Barcelona stalwart to reverse his decision, and acknowledged he will miss his experience as he takes charge.

"It's a shame that, at international level, he wants to close the book, but I can only respect him," he said.

"He is one of the most important players in Spanish football, because of what he has achieved on the field.

"I had the privilege of receiving a call yesterday in which he informed me that he had made that decision.

"I tried to convince him otherwise, but he is a man with clear ideas and he has made his call.

"But football continues, and we will have to think about the future. There are players who have already occupied that position, like Rodri.

"We are following other players and surely there are those who will have their chance. There is still time until March to see the evolution of the players."

De la Fuente will take charge of his first matches as Spain coach in a pair of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland in three months' time.

Xavi paid tribute to Sergio Busquets following his decision to retire from international football, describing him as one of the greatest midfielders in history.

Busquets announced his retirement from Spain duty on Friday having captained La Roja in each of their four games at the World Cup in Qatar.

Busquets' miss in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the last 16 provided a less-than-fitting end to his stellar career with Spain, for whom he made 143 senior appearances.

The 34-year-old starred alongside his Barcelona team-mate-turned-coach Xavi as Spain won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, and the Blaugrana boss believes few can match his impact.

"In the end, it's a personal decision that you make when you feel the time is right," Xavi told Barcelona's website. "I wish him the best, now he will be able to rest more and focus on Barca.

"He is a player who has made history. He is one of the best midfielders that football has produced worldwide and, for sure, the best defensive midfielder in the history of Spain."

Fellow Barcelona star Jordi Alba said Busquets will be "sorely missed" by Spain, who will be led by Luis de la Fuente in Euro 2024 qualifying after Luis Enrique left his role as head coach. 

"You have always been a great leader for all of us who are part of the team, both in good times and in bad," Alba wrote on Twitter.

"After so many training sessions and games together in the national team, today you say goodbye and you will be sorely missed, friend. 

"Thank you for what you have contributed to us and for everything you have given."

Spain's third-highest appearance maker Sergio Busquets has announced his retirement from international football.

The 34-year-old captained Spain in each of their four games at the World Cup in Qatar, missing a penalty in the shootout as Luis Enrique's side were knocked out by Morocco at the last-16 stage.

Busquets made his debut for La Roja against Turkey in April 2009 and went on to make 143 appearances, behind only Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos in the country's history.

The Barcelona midfielder, who scored two international goals, was an integral part of the Spain squads that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship two years later.

"I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long journey," he wrote on Instagram. 

"From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the opportunity to start, to Luis Enrique for making me enjoy it until the last second.

"I also thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their trust, as well as all their staff.

"And, of course, to each and every one of my team-mates, with whom I have struggled to try to take the team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the greatest of pride.

"It has been an honour to represent my country and take it to the top.

"To be a World and European champion, to be captain and to play so many games, with greater or lesser success but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything went the right way."