After Dani Alves was replaced by Martin Montoya, the Barcelona team beat Levante 4-0 to win their 12th game out of 13, drawing equal with the Real Madrid team of 20 years ago in setting the joint record La Liga start.

"It's extraordinary, and all the more so for those of us who were trained at the Masia," said Xavi. "It's more proof of the good work that has been done for many years.

"(Former Barca coach Louis) van Gaal said once that his dream was to see 11 academy players together on the pitch and today it became reality."