Xavi on Champions League 'three finals' after Barcelona loss to Inter Milan

Barcelona manager Xavi has called for his players to increase their intensity in order to salvage their flailing 2022/23 UEFA Champions League season.

The Blaugrana lost their second game in three matches in Group C of the Champions League, falling 1-0 to Inter Milan away at the Giuseppe Meazza on Tuesday night.

A first-half added-time goal from Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu gave Simone Inzaghi's Inter side all three points on the night, sending the Italian side into the second position in the group.

With the possibility of a second straight drop into the UEFA Europa League staring Xavi in the face, the Spanish tactician has highlighted the importance of their remaining matches.

In his post-match press conference posted on Barcelona's official Twitter handle, the legendary ex-Barcelona midfielder described the remaining matches as 'three finals' that are vital to the team.

Xavi said: "We've got three finals to go. We've got a game in the league on Sunday then Inter come to the Camp Nou. It's a vital game for us. Then Bayern as well.

"We've got three finals. We need to compete to pass through to the knockout stage. We've got two transcendental games at home against Inter and Bayern."

Barcelona crashed to the Europa League under Xavi last season after finishing third in their Champions League group consisting of Bayern Munich, Benfica and Dynamo Kyiv with only two victories then.

Xavi and his Barcelona team are currently third in Group C this season, having lost to Bayern Munich and now Inter Milan. A 5-1 opening day victory over Viktoria Plzen is the only victory Barcelona have chalked up this season.