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Barcelona's manager responds to being informed of Ancelotti’s record in finals.
Barcelona's manager, Xavi, reacted to Carlo Ancelotti's impressive record in finals ahead of the Supercopa de Espana, saying records are meant to be broken.
Barcelona face Real Madrid in the final of the cup on Sunday, and Xavi, on being informed of his rivals' positive statistics in finals, said it can only serve as motivation.
Xavi on Ancelotti's record
Carlo Ancelotti has played in 23 finals and won 18 of them.
He has not lost in a final since 2014, the Spanish Super Cup final against Atletico Madrid, or a one-off game since 2010's Community Shield defeat to Manchester United.
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Xavi, upon being informed of this statistic, had this to say:
"I see that you don't give me much hope, huh?" Xavi replied.
"Well, statistics are there to break them. I remember that I have also been very lucky in finals. I always think positive, although we know it will be difficult.
"I see it as an opportunity, and I'm very motivated. This data that you give me motivates us even more."
El Classico Supercopa de Espana Final
There have been over 100 El Classicos, but this is the first time Barcelona and Real Madrid are facing off in the final of the new Supercopa de Espana since its inception in 2019.
Real Madrid qualified for the competition by being champions of LaLiga, and booked their place in the final by knocking out Copa del Rey runner-up Valencia on penalty shootouts.
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Barcelona were eligible to play in the competition as they finished second in LaLiga, and they earned their spot in the final after beating Copa del Rey champions Real Betis, also on penalty shootouts.
The final would be played on Sunday, January 15 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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