Xavi brands Madrid bad losers, animals

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has labeled Real Madrid's players bad losers and animals after his club won their latest ill-tempered matchup.

Barcelona eliminated cup holder Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey quarterfinals with Wednesday's 2-2 draw.

El Mundo newspaper's website released Barca TV footage of Xavi caught off camera speaking about the game, in which the Spain international says Madrid's players ''are unbelievable - they don't know how to lose.''

Xavi's comments will do little to calm the tense rivalry as he labeled Madrid players ''animals'' for their physical challenges.

Madrid has won once in the last 14 meetings against Barcelona.