Barcelona midfielder Xavi successfully maneuvered invitations from the media yesterday to taunt Real Madrid ahead of the El Clasico. Xavi refused to compare the two clubs when asked, only saying: "They have a different philosophy, though I prefer ours."

Later, however, he did declare: "Now, Madrid are the victims of our play and our success. They have had to spend a lot of money after our triumphs. For now, they are doing well because they're above us on the table.

"We have to have a great respect for Madrid, because they're a very difficult team to beat. And the 2-6 is history."