FC Barcelona Vs. Girona Preview: Xavi Changes System For Second Place Showdown

Xavi Hernandez will make one major change to his lineup when FC Barcelona face Girona away from home in La Liga on Saturday. With bitter rivals Real Madrid 11 points clear at the summit, and possibly making that 14 if they beat Cadiz earlier in the afternoon, this is essentially a battle for second place. Sealing the berth not only confirms automatic qualification for the Champions League, but also passage to the lucrative Spanish Super Cup at the turn of 2025. Speaking at his prematch press conference on Friday, however, Xavi refused to accept that the showdown in Montilivi is a "final".