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

Defeat to Rayo on Sunday was the third consecutive loss suffered by Barca at home.

Xavi later declared, "It has always been complicated. In November when we arrived we were ninth.

"There are emergencies in the club, football and economic. It is a difficult situation, but we are not afraid.

"We have to continue, disconnect and in the middle of the week start preparing the remaining five finals.

"It was necessary to enter the game better, it is the same thing that happened to us against Cádiz and we had talked about it. It is a missed golden opportunity. There is no other option but to continue and qualify for the Champions League as it is."