Athletic Bilbao played a tough game on Thursday against Atletico Madrid. They won that game and celebrated long into the night as the win secured them a place in the Copa Del Rey final.
Three days after that game, Bilbao are now set to face Barcelona at home. Xavi believes the energy exerted in that game and the ecstasy of such a big win could ultimately work against Bilbao.
"I think both things can affect them, fatigue but also euphoria [of beating Atleti]," Xavi said in his press conference.
"They can be proud of the season and the Copa Del Rey final. They are a great team. Valverde works very well with high pressure, and especially San Mamés, he presses a lot," Xavi said.
Bilbao are on a 10-game winning streak at their home turf and have climbed to 5th on the league table just eight points behind Barca who are third.
"I think they are the most intense rival in the category, physical, tough," Xavi said in praise of Bilbao.
They have an extraordinary pace of competition and it is a credit to their coach, Valverde is a great coach and he has already shown it here in Barcelona," Xavi added.
Barcelona are eight points behind Real Madrid in the title race which makes this game almost a must-win if they're to maintain their chance to retain their title.
