Barcelona coach Xavi insists the LaLiga title race is within reach.

The Catalans' realistic target this season has been qualifying for the Champions League, but Xavi feels the team can do even better ahead of the derby against Espanyol.

"We're not ruling anything out, but the distance is difficult," he said at his press conference in regards to a title challenge.

"The goal is to finish in the top four, but we're not ruling anything out. The feeling is getting better and better, let's see how far we can go.

"We have improved, but we have to know how to attack in space, not to disconnect from our strategy, and for the wingers to arrive [in the box] in attacking plays.

"On a tactical level, we have improved a lot. In general we are improving in many aspects. I think we're improving because we're taking charge of games."

Dani Alves will miss the game through suspension after his red card against Atletico Madrid, something which Xavi laments.

"I feel bad, he is a very important player and we will miss him," he said.

"He understands the positional game, he scores, [and] he provides assists.

"We will miss him in the next four games."