Racing de Santander vs Barcelona preview - Xavi realistic over title challenge

Barcelona playmaker Xavi is happy with his side's current form but insists nothing can hide the fact they trail Primera Division rivals Real Madrid by a hefty 10 points.

The Catalans are showing grit and guile as well as trademark skill at the moment, fighting to beat Sporting Gijon 3-1 last weekend with 10 men before demolishing Bayer Leverkusen 7-1 in midweek to book a Champions League quarter-final spot.

Yet the defence of their league crown is effectively over, with Madrid powering to the title under Jose Mourinho.

Xavi remains on a high after the Leverkusen win but admits that joy is tempered by the sobering sight of the league table.

"We are showing that we really are at a high level," he said ahead of Sunday's visit to Racing Santander.

"We are feeling good, happy with the way we are playing and enjoying our performances. But we never feel that we are unbeatable. We feel strong and dominant, because we are creating chances and enjoying long periods of possession.

"That helps to make us feel secure in our game, but we aren't invincible - we are 10 points off the leaders in the league."

Wednesday's win saw Xavi's team-mate Lionel Messi score an incredible five goals against the Bundesliga side, prompting yet more plaudits for the Argentinian.

"He is the best player in the world - maybe the best of all time," Xavi said. "Football is moving on, but he stays the same.

"He deserves the admiration of any sportsman. He is incomparable, a one-off. There is no other player who can make such a difference - he'll break all the records."

The Catalan midfielder is two goals short of his record for a single season, having scored 12 in 36 games, and is satisfied with his own form.

"I'm happy with my season so far - not just for my goals, but also because I've been involved in a lot of games and only had a few slight injuries.

"I'm in good form and helping the team."

He could be rested this weekend, however, as Barca travel west to face Racing. Forward Alexis Sanchez is sidelined with an injury collected last weekend while David Villa and Ibrahim Afellay are long-term absentees.

Racing have not won since January 15 and sit third-bottom but captain Pedro Munitis insists they are up to the fight.

"We have the players to pull this off," he told his club's website.

"We know it's going to be complicated against Barca but it's the game we've got and we can't change that."