Barcelona coach Xavi refused to criticise his players after defeat at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Barca fell to a third straight home defeat and left Real Madrid needing just a point next week against Espanyol to win La Liga.

"We deserved more," said the Barça coach. "It's true that in the first half we weren't ourselves but in the second half we improved.

"The ball just would not go in. It's very similar to the game against Cádiz. Other teams are playing for their lives and we have to match the desire of our opponents."

It was another game in which Barcelona had started poorly conceding after seven minutes.

"There are games that get complicated because we don't start as we should," said Xavi.

"If you take the lead then you have everything under control. We don't lack personality, we just need to start games better, it's a shame because it was a golden opportunity."

Barcelona are still six points inside the Champions League places with five games left to play.