Barcelona manager Xavi has accused Real Madrid of benefitting from referee decisions after the comeback win against Almeria and insists it will be ‘very difficult’ for Barcelona to win La Liga this season.

Real Madrid are seven points clear following the 3-2 victory over Almería on Sunday.

Xavi said: “I’ve seen it.

“I stick with [Gaizka] Garitano’s [Almeria head coach] words and [Alfredo] Relano’s [Spanish journalist] reflection. That’s the good one, the correct one. Very good journalist.

“If we speak up they sanction us, but everyone has seen it.

“It’s going to be very difficult to win this league, I said it in Getafe, that there were things that didn’t suit me.

“Let’s keep working, and as far as we can. There are things that we don’t control, everyone has seen it today.

“I remember in Getafe, the penalty in Vallecas against Raphinha, Joao’s goal in Granada… these are situations that we would take six more points.

“In the end they are not excuses, it is the reality. Situations in the 95th minute that come up against us. Today we have to talk about the team’s game, satisfied, continue on the path.”

Former Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa has now slammed Xavi for his criticism of the officiating in the Real Madrid vs Almería clash.

Freixa said: “Xavi criticizing Real Madrid & Almería’s game? I’m ashamed that Xavi is talking about a game he hasn’t even watched.

“If he wins, he says ‘I’m the f***ing master’ & if he loses, it’s the other guy’s fault that he’s wronged.”