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Xavi Hernandez expects tough Athletic Bilbao test

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez admits that Athletic Bilbao will give his team a tough match in Saturday's Copa del Rey final.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he expects a tough match against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.

The two sides meet at the Vicente Calderon in Madrid on Saturday to battle it out for the final piece of silverware in the Spanish domestic season.

"They are very demanding opponents, because they mark man to man. They are a physically strong side, they run for 90 minutes and create a lot of pressure up front," Xavi told reporters.

"Such intensity doesn't leave us with much time to think. It'll be a great match. I think it'll be very tough and physical."

Bilbao have won the competition 23 times, while Barca have lifted the trophy on 25 occasions.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona87012591621
2Real Madrid85301761118
3Villarreal85211715217
4Atletico MadridAtletico8440124816
5Athletic Bilbao8422128414
6Mallorca842286214
7Osasuna84221213-114
8Real BetisBetis833287112
9Rayo Vallecano824298110
10Celta Vigo83141515010
11AlavesAlaves83141112-110
12GironaGirona8233911-29
13Sevilla8233810-29
14Real Sociedad822467-18
15Getafe814356-17
16Leganes814359-47
17Espanyol8215712-57
18Valencia8125513-85
19Real ValladolidValladolid8125417-135
20Las PalmasLas Palmas8035916-73


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