Manager Xavi Hernandez has said that the Spanish Supercopa semi-final against Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday could serve to kickstart Barcelona's season.
Barca have shown signs of improvement since replacing Ronald Koeman as coach in November, climbing within one point of the top four in LaLiga, but have yet to find any consistency.
They go to Clásico on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Granada over the weekend, but Xavi still hopes they can beat Madrid and set up a final against Atlético Madrid or Athletic Bilbao in Riyadh on Sunday .
"This game is a great opportunity to reach the final and it could be a turning point for us," Xavi told a news conference on Tuesday.
"Madrid is in the most form in Spain, the league table shows, but that is another competition. Clasico is always unpredictable.
"Reaching the final will represent a turning point. But whatever happens, we will be realistic. It's an important game and a big test, which will show us where we are after [two months in charge]."
Injuries and a COVID-19 outbreak have disrupted Xavi's time in charge so far, but Barca are finally starting to get players back.
Ansu Fati is set for his first appearance against Madrid since November, Pedri could play for the first time since September and the €55million signing Ferran Torres is set to make his debut.
"It's great news for us that they are all available again," Xavi said. "They are the players who are the key to the system and can make a difference in the last third.
"As well as Ronald [Araujo] and Frankie [de Jong], they are coming back from various injuries and COVID-19, so we will manage their minutes, but they will without a doubt improve the team. "
Barca lost 2–1 to Madrid when the teams met in the season at Camp Nou and are 17 points behind league leaders in sixth place on the table, although there is a game in hand.
However, midfielder Sergio Busquets said everything that didn't matter on Wednesday.
"I don't care if people make Madrid the favourite," Busquets said at a news conference.
"When a Clasico starts, everything else is forgotten. The difference in the league doesn't matter. We have to be more solid, but we will go for the game and stay true to our style."
Xavi said: "I have experienced Clásico games when Barcelona have been huge favorites but then lost and vice versa.
"We are a team in construction but we are trying to set things right. Madrid is in good form but it doesn't make sense. We will try to be ourselves and impose ourselves on the game."