Former Barcelona star Xavi has described LaLiga as becoming ever more competitive, in the wake of the top three making slow starts to the campaign.
Xavi was attempting to put Barca's struggles into context by stating that both Real Madrid and Atletico were also dropping quite a number of points and he believes that the 'smaller' teams are closing the gap on the big three, which is good for the league and will increase standards.
"Despite a draw, win and defeat in their last three LaLiga games, Barcelona remain the favourites in all competitions, in my opinion," the 36-year-old told reporters.
"But it is good to see the league becoming more competitive – nobody thought Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico would drop so many points.
"But all this shows how hard the smaller teams have been working and that the gap is closing."
Barcelona lost 4-3 at Celta Vigo on Sunday following on from a defeat at home to Alaves and drawing at home to Atletico, who themselves had been held by newly-promoted duo Alaves and Leganes, while Real Madrid have drawn three consecutive league games.
