Coach Xavi Hernandez told Barcelona on Tuesday that they cannot use their injury situation and their forthcoming league match against Real Madrid as justifications for a bad showing in a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk in the middle of the week.

Barcelona leads Group H of the Champions League with six points after winning their opening two matches without giving up a goal.

Porto of Portugal is in second place with three points, ahead of Shakhtar of Ukraine in third place on goal differential.

Barcelona, the defending La Liga champions, are now third in the standings, one point behind Girona in second place and Real Madrid in first.

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Even if they are in a more comfortable position in their Champions League group, Xavi told reporters that Wednesday’s match against Shakhtar at home was crucial for their goal.

“This is the Champions League, the biggest competition there is for clubs, and for us, getting nine points from nine is very important.

“I don’t need to take anyone’s mind off Saturday’s game against Real Madrid because the Champions League makes you focused and switched on… Shakhtar are a dynamic side, strong, and I think they can cause us problems. We can’t lose our focus.“

Barcelona is also dealing with injuries to a number of first-team players, including Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, and Sergi Roberto.