Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that Barcelona have "improved a lot" since Xavi became the Catalan club's new head coach.

Xavi took charge of Barcelona last November and boasts a record of 14 wins, seven draws and four defeats from his 25 matches at the helm.

Under the Spaniard, the Catalan side have risen to fourth spot in La Liga and booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and ahead of Sunday's El Clasico at Bernabeu, Ancelotti has paid tribute to the 42-year-old's work since replacing Ronald Koeman.

"Barcelona's identity never changes, as the club has a clear style," Ancelotti told reporters. "Xavi fits in with that style well and the team have improved a lot under him. They're a complete team and are playing well. My opinion is that he is doing a good job."

Xavi faced Real Madrid on 42 occasions during his playing career, boasting a record of 17 wins, 12 draws and 13 defeats, while he scored five times and provided 10 assists in El Clasico.

However, Barcelona have not beaten Los Blancos in La Liga since March 2019, losing four of the last five meetings in Spain's top flight, including a 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou back in October.