Xavi rates Barcelona's chances of advancing to Champions League semi-finals after PSG win

Barcelona manager Xavi insists his side are still not favourites to advance to the Champions League semi-finals despite Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Two goals from Raphinha and a header from Andreas Christensen saw Barcelona pick up a huge victory away from home in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, giving them an advantage to defend when PSG head to Catalonia next week.

Despite boasting a slender advantage heading into the return leg, Xavi insisted PSG remain the favourites to win the tie.

«PSG are still favourites, and they played a great game, but we minimised them,» Xavi said. «We pressed very well.

»I am very proud of the team. It's a great victory against one of the best teams in the world. It is difficult to defend against them and they have many attacking options. We're halfway there. It will be difficult in Barcelona.

«Today we suffered and enjoyed it. PSG will have options on Tuesday. We only have a small margin of advantage. I hope that our stadium will be a cauldron on Tuesday.»

PSG boss Luis Enrique also refused to accept defeat, insisting he remains confident the French giants will advance.

«I think we were good on an emotional level,» Enrique explained. «When you concede a goal and especially at home, it's delicate, but it's something you have to get used to.

»There will be no difficulty in preparing for the Barcelona game. We are going there to win the tie. I have no doubt that we can achieve it. If there is a team that does not shrink away from home, it is us. There is no double value away from home, but it does have an impact.

«I have never said [Barcelona are favourites]. Historically, Barca is bigger. They have won five Champions Leagues, but I have never said they are favourites.