Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes league position counts for little when it comes to the passion of meeting arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico.

The Spanish international was speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to the Bernabeu, when Pep Guardiola's Barça will take on the La Liga leaders in the most anticipated encounter of the season.

Jose Mourinho's Real lead the way in the league by three points with a game in hand, but Xavi has placed no importance on Madrid's advantage heading into the match.

The advantage means they are in a better position than us but in El Clasico it is not about the ranking.
Xavi, Barcelona midfielder

"Madrid are doing well, they have 11 straight wins in the league and they have three more points than us," Xavi said. "The advantage means they are in a better position than us but in El Clasico it is not about the ranking. Anything can happen.

"Madrid will arrive at the game in better shape than in the past three or four years. They are physically strong. But to win at the Bernabeu would be a pleasure.  We will tighten up and play a very physical game."