Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Three reasons why Xavi's Barca are excelling ahead of El Clasico

The Catalan giants may not be all the way back, but they've looked sharp as of late

After advancing in the Europa League by bouncing Galatasaray in Istanbul on Thursday, Barcelona shift their focus to what will be a loaded slate on Sunday highlighted by El Clasico. Barca go to Real Madrid in a crucial game for both sides as Xavi's men look to start solidifying their top-four spot while Real aim to build upon their already comfortable position atop La Liga. Both teams enter in exceptional form with four straight league wins, but Barca are playing their best so far this season, giving the Blaugrana faithful a strong belief that they can go to the Bernabeu and win.

Over the last several weeks, Xavi has guided the team to numerous victories with consistency everywhere on the pitch. From his appointment in early November through January, his team averaged 1.1 goals per game. And in their last nine games entering this week, and with new signings gelling, they've averaged 2.7, scoring four goals in five of those games. Barca also are unbeaten in their last 15 matches.

Ahead of kickoff, here are three reasons why Barca have been able to turn it around: