Xavi Pascual Demands Barça Improve Defense After Beating Real Madrid

Published on January 09, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Xavi Pascual, FC Barcelona coach, speaking at press conference after the game against Real Madrid at Movistar Arena, with a serious and analytical expression.

Xavi Pascual demands Barça improve defense after beating Real Madrid

After a thrilling victory at the Movistar Arena, the blaugrana coach focuses on aspects to correct. The 100-105 win against the fiercest rival does not hide the shortcomings that, according to Pascual, the team must resolve to compete for everything. 🏀

A high score that reveals defensive problems

The game left an offensive spectacle, but for the Barça coach, the fact that both teams exceeded the hundred-point mark is a clear symptom. Xavi Pascual emphasizes that, despite the positive result, performance without the ball was not adequate. He insists that to win titles it is vital to organize better on defense and correct the errors that allow the rival so many easy opportunities.

Key points of his analysis:
  • The 100-105 score reflects offensive intensity, but also defensive failures on both sides.
  • The victory does not mask the urgent need to be more solid when not having the ball.
  • For the decisive matches of the season, improving defense becomes an absolute priority.
"We must improve a lot defensively to aspire to achieve success this season."

Confidence in the project, but with maximum demand

The coach's message is not one of alarm, but of ambition. Pascual fully trusts the quality of his squad and its ability to compete at the highest level. However, he underscores that talent must be accompanied by composure, calmness, and tactical clarity in critical moments. His speech aims to mature as a team and manage precisely what has been worked on during the week.

Elements that Barça needs to polish:
  • Maintain calm and execute with precision in the decisive phases of the game.
  • Manage pressure moments better, avoiding errors due to haste.
  • Demonstrate the necessary maturity to close games with greater defensive solidity.

The path forward: fewer points against

Pascual's final reflection is direct. Aspiring to the top this season depends on a change in defensive mentality. Preventing the rival from scoring a hundred points is presented not as a revolutionary idea, but as a basic and necessary objective. Confidence in the project remains intact, but the path is traveled with work, correction, and a much stronger defense. 🛡️