Barcelona coach Xavi has hailed the work of Javi Garcia Pimienta at Las Palmas.

Pimienta is a former Barca Atletic coach and faces his old club tomorrow night.

Xavi said: "We have a difficult way out.

"Las Palmas, with the permission of Girona, I think it is the revelation of the season. Pimienta is a great coach. They play soccer well. It is very similar to what we are looking for. Offensive proposal. Triangulation, attack, high blood pressure. We know each other well and I hold him in high esteem.

"A complicated rival. I think we have returned very well on vacation. It is time to demonstrate. We have to find that continuity in the game and the results."