"We will beat Benfica' - Xavi makes bold prediction for UCL game

Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez diffused the mounting pressure on his side as they prepare for their UEFA Champions League Group E match against Portuguese heavyweights Benfica, and revealed on Monday that he is "sleeping more than before".

Back-to-back victories over Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kyiv breathed fresh life into Barcelona's bid to avoid an embarrassing group stage exit following opening heavy defeats at home to Bayern Munich and away to Benfica.

Barcelona now have the chance to avenge the 3-0 loss they suffered against Benfica in Lisbon on 29th September and also book their place in the knockout stages with a victory at the Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman, won his first game in charge of the Catalan giants - a 1-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol on Saturday.

IMAGE: AP