'Football is no longer like that': Xavi explains was Linares game was never supposed to be easy

“It was a difficult game,” Xavi told the press after the Linares game, as quoted by COPE.

“People expected a win, but football is no longer like that.

“It takes a lot to beat a lower-league team because everyone is tactically organized. But we have managed to do it.

“We are happy and content, it is a positive dynamic that we have to take advantage of. Now we are thinking about Granada on Saturday.”

Barcelona struggled in the first half as Linares were a better side. The hosts opened the scoring early in the game and deservedly led at the break.

The Catalans improved after the interval, with Dembele equalising and Jutgla scoring a winner for the Catalans.