Xavi chooses Barcelona’s 5-0 masterclass over iconic 6-2 win against Real Madrid

Xavi Hernandez has ranked Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Real Madrid in November 2010 above the famous 6-2 success at the Santiago Bernabeu in May 2009.

The former Barcelona midfielder said both results hold a special place in the club’s history, but believed the performance in the 5-0 win was superior. His comments, reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, come with the question of whether either scoreline could be repeated tomorrow.

Xavi described the 6-2 victory as “perfect”, but said Barcelona’s display in the later match offered a higher level of football and control. That game was played at Camp Nou against a Real Madrid side managed by Jose Mourinho.

“ The 2-6 match was perfect, but this match surpassed it in terms of the way we played, and the feeling was wonderful with a huge superiority,” Xavi said.

The former Spain international identified the 5-0 triumph as one of the most exceptional experiences of his playing career. Barcelona established complete authority over their traditional rivals, producing a performance that remains particularly vivid for the club’s supporters.

Xavi opened the scoring in November 2010 before Pedro added a second. David Villa then scored twice, with Jeffren completing the victory and confirming Barcelona’s dominance on a memorable night at Camp Nou.

Although the 6-2 result at the Santiago Bernabeu had greater significance in the title race, Xavi felt the later win carried an added importance because of the quality of Barcelona’s collective performance and the control they maintained throughout the match.

The victory in May 2009 represented a crucial turning point in the Spanish league campaign. Barcelona’s emphatic result away from home became one of the defining meetings between the two clubs, but Xavi’s preference remains the performance delivered in front of their own supporters the following year.

He also recalled the effect the 5-0 result had inside Barcelona’s dressing room, describing the reaction as extraordinary and saying the scale of the win made it difficult for the players to sleep.

“When you win in this way, you find it difficult to sleep. You wake up happy and at the height of euphoria. It is a day that makes you happy to be a Barcelona player,” he added.