Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with his players after victory over Cadiz.

Xavi was happy testing himself against Cadiz coach Mauricio Pellegrino.

He said: "It's a pleasure to see him, he was a great teammate and I wish him the best in Cádiz and always. I have good memories. He was new and he helped me. Cádiz, playing like this, has many options to continue in the Primera Division.

"We knew that we were going to suffer. Cádiz is an organised, aggressive team, they have improved their pressure after losing. The team played a serious, professional game... we wanted to win to put pressure on Real Madrid. In the end, we suffered but they are three important points."

On matchwinner Joao Felix, he continued: "He's a talented player. He's happy. The goal is a great goal, but he also puts pressure, he understands when he has to go inside or outside. He did it wonderfully today."

On their form, Xavi continued: "I understand the mistrust due to my decision, but I know the group and I had no doubt that we would take a step forward as a group. We are more supportive, we have more ambition... it is evident that we are in the best moment of the season. What is coming better.

"Tuesday is a real war, and then the Clasico. The beautiful and exciting things come."