Barcelona boss Xavi believes that Girona can truly challenge for the title this season as La Liga's shock package continue to rise.
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Girona surpisingly sit second in La LigaTied on points with leaders Real MadridXavi's Barcelona host them on SundayGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Xavi continued to laud his team's next opponents as he expects Girona to continue impressing and fighting for the league title. Girona have lost just one game all season, to leaders Real Madrid, and have accumulated 38 points from 15 games in La Liga this season. Xavi's Barcelona, in contrast, have struggled for form and are four points off Girona and Madrid.
AdvertisementWHAT XAVI SAID
Xavi is not surprised by Girona's awesome form, saying: "For some people it's a surprise that Girona are co-leaders with Real Madrid, but for us, no. Michel is a great coach, with a system very similar to ours. Excellent, just congratulate them. They're playing with a spectacular flair but we won't vary too much. We will try to have continuity in the game. They can fight for the title and in fact they are four points ahead of us. I like the fact that they are fearless, how they attack. They are brave and that's what has put them there."
Getty Images THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite Xavi claiming he was not surprised by Girona, few could have expected them to be challenging for the title prior to the start of the season. Led by the 37-year-old former Middlesborough flop Cristhian Stuani, Girona have drawn deserved praise for their performances this season.
WHAT NEXT FOR XAVI AND GIRONA?
Should Girona earn victory over their Catalan rivals, their title credentials will only be further strengthened. Xavi's Barcelona cannot afford to lose on Sunday night, with defeat leaving them seven points off the top.