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Barcelona boss Xavi claims Real Madrid and Villarreal's Champions League heroics proves LaLiga 'is NOT far behind the Premier League'... and insists they're not under pressure to win the Europa League after rivals' success

Real Madrid and Villarreal reaching the Champions League semi finals this week showed the strength of LaLiga, Barcelona manager Xavi said on Wednesday as he eyes a return to Europe's elite competition next season.

Real knocked out holders Chelsea while Villarreal stunned German champions Bayern Munich to reach the last four of the competition on Tuesday.

Xavi could only watch on as his side are in action on Thursday in the second tier Europa League, hosting Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their quarter-final.

Barcelona boss Xavi claimed Real Madrid and Villarreal's Champions League success proves that LaLiga 'is not far behind the Premier League'

However, Xavi praised his Spanish rivals for their progress and said it showed the quality of the league.