Barcelona manager Xavi has called on the Blaugrana return to form on the eve of a crucial Champions League fixture.

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Barca forced to settle for a point against Rayo VallecanoTrail league leaders Real Madrid by four pointsPorto loss could put Champions League knockout place in jeopardyWHAT HAPPENED?

Xavi's side have struggled for form of late, dropping points against Rayo on Saturday, and also losing to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in early November. Although they are three points ahead of second-placed Shakhtar in their European group, a loss to Porto could see the reigning La Liga champions fall into a Europa League spot.

AdvertisementWHAT XAVI SAID

In a press conference, Xavi called on his team to respond to their recent poor form.

"I'm very critical of the players, in the videos, in the talks. We have to demand a lot of ourselves. We are not at the level we were a month and a half or two months ago.

"We have to push harder, recover our intensity, our winning mentality. We have shown that. Now we've dropped a bit. We have to be more humble, more generous, more compact. And starting tomorrow".

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Xavi hasn't benefitted from much continuity in his team so far this year. The Blaugrana have struggled with injuries all campaign, most recently losing star midfielder Gavi to a season-ending knee injury. They edged Porto 1-0 the last time the two sides played.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Blaugrana will host Porto at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday evening, before facing Atletico Madrid on Sunday.