Xavi Hernandez has lamented his team’s performance as Barcelona surrendered their lead at the top of La Liga with a defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.

Both teams went into the Clasico fixture having enjoyed unbeaten starts to their LaLiga campaigns but Barca topped the league on goal difference.

In the 250th instalment of the historic fixture, Real Madrid ran out comfortable winners on home soil.

Xavi Hernandez has reflected on his Barcelona side’s disappointing defeat to Real Madrid

Goals from Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde put the home side ahead before Ferran Torres scored a consolation late in the game that was ultimately cancelled out by a last-minute Rodrygo penalty.

Speaking following the game, Xavi did not downplay the significance of the defeat amidst the club’s struggles in Europe, but insisted that he would take responsibility for the result.

‘We have to be self-critical. We’re not doing well at all. We’re in a very bad dynamic and we have to change it immediately. I feel bad and frustrated. We weren’t as aggressive as we should have been.

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Barcelona were unable to get a foothold in the Clasico tie and surrender their LaLiga in defeat

The result comes just days after their Champions League future was put in serious doubt after failing to defeat Inter Milan

‘I don’t think Madrid have beaten us in intensity but they have in maturity, they have known how to compete better, they are a more accomplished and mature team than us at the moment.

‘I won’t ever blame the players. It won’t happen. I am the captain of this ship and I take responsibility.’

Although Barcelona entered the game top of LaLiga having only dropped points on the opening day of the season, there is an increasing sense of pressure on the club legend turned manager.

After a summer of financial turmoil, the Blaugrana have endured a poor start of the season in Europe. 

A dramatic draw with Inter Milan on Tuesday almost certainly confirmed that the five-time Champions League winners will not participate in the competitions knockout stages.