The era of Xavi as Barcelona coach began with great excitement and ended tonight (Saturday) with a small 0: 1 victory in the derby against Espanyol. The team when it came to Camp Nou, and many more filled the stands.
As he promised, Xavi surprised with his first line-up when he placed a lot of young home players including 17-year-old Elias Ahumash in his debut.
Unsurprisingly, Barça played in a Xavi style - a lot of short dedications and an attempt to get as close as possible to Espanyol's goal.
In the first half this game plan yielded a lot of ball control and few situations, but at the beginning of the second half it arranged a penalty after a failure on the Memphis Depay field.
Xavi frantically on the lines, Photo: AP
Xavi in action, Photo: AP
The Dutchman was also the one who took the kick and scored Barcelona's first goal under new coach Xavi.
Later, Barça weakened and Espanyol took over the game.
Vicente Moreno's side got into some good situations near the goal of Marc Andre Ter Stegen, but Raul de Thomas was stopped twice by the crossbar.
For Ronald Koeman, such a game would have ended in a loss, but apparently Xavi - at least this time - also brought good luck.
Atletico Madrid missed a lot in the home game against Osasuna and were on their way to a fourth draw in their last five games.
Only in the 87th minute did a corner kick become the winning goal for Filippa who hit the 0-1 inside.
Memphis celebrates the precious gate, Photo: AP
Xavi in recent instructions on the lines, Photo: Reuters
Xavi in action, Photo: AP
Xavi in action, Photo: AP