Xavi insists Real Madrid is the favorite to win the Copa del Rey

Barcelona has won the last two times they met their bitter rivals with a 4-0 La Liga victory and a 3-1 Supercopa win in January. However, Xavi believes Madrid's status as the reigning La Liga and European champions will help them win the Copa del Rey tie.

"Madrid will continue to be the favourites because they are champions of LaLiga and the Champions League,"

he said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"That is regardless of what happened in the Super Cup, where we did well, or any other factors.

"We may have beaten them in the Super Cup, but this is Madrid. I have to be honest. But I also think we can hurt them and I expect a very even tie overall."

Despite a 1-0 loss to Almeria on the weekend and being eliminated from Europa League by Manchester United, Xavi is happy with his side's position.

"

The loss to Almeria made me very angry, but we start again with a clean slate,"

Xavi said.

"It's a competition we're doing well in, and we're three games from another title.

"This will provide us with another chance to react. We know we have to be more of a team than ever, with the small details making the difference.

"The message to the fans is that we remain in an ideal, privileged situation to win two more trophies. We are in the Copa semi-final and are leaders in the league.

"We know things can go wrong, but we are here to try to avoid that from happening."

Robert Lewandowski will miss the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, joining Pedri and Ousmane Dembele. However, Ansu Fati has returned to full training.

"He's had a bruised knee but is training with the group and feels good,"

Xavi said. "

I see a happy and motivated player who is important for the team."

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