Xavi Hernandez has hailed Atletico Madrid football team as a strong opponent and is on the rise ahead of the two teams meeting on Sunday.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has hailed rivals Atletico Madrid as a top contender and is doing great right now. Before Atletico face Atletico’s Camp Nou on Sunday against La Liga leaders, Derio Sport reported on Saturday. 

Barcelona are aiming for their first La Liga title in four years. But Azulgrana have been winless in their last three games and have drawn 0-0 in their last two against Girona and Katafe while Atletico Madrid have won their last six games, scoring 15 goals and conceding just three. Atleti are unbeaten in 13 games in a row since losing against Azul Grana in January. 

‘They have a great team, Cholo [Diego Simeone] is a great coach. We are facing top competitors. and in great form. They are probably the team in the best form at the moment. Griezmann is in great form and Simeone is doing a great job.’ UFABET

Xavi also mentioned Ousmane Dembele.

after the French winger returned to full fitness again. ‘He’s fit again. This week we have him back (Andreas) Christensen almost 100 per cent tomorrow. We will decide if Pedri and/or Frenkie start, except for Sergi Roberto, we almost got the whole team ready.’

The Azulgrana coach added to Robert Lewandowski: ‘He’s fine, motivated, trains well and is always looking for opportunities. He will score again and will continue to be important.’

Finally, by talking about Lionel Messi, the Argentinian striker who is rumored to return to the Azul Grana team this summer. ‘I don’t know anything about Messi, all I have to do is work and think about the next game. Not next year or transfers, for me this is not the time to talk about Messi.’