Barcelona fans finally had a reason to celebrate once again as their team played arguably the best game of the season to a 1-0 home win over local rivals. Espanyol in LaLiga on the debut of new head coach Xavi Hernandez on Saturday.
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Xavi probably couldn’t ask for more in his first game managing a struggling Barca team, who are sixth in the table, eight points behind the leaders. Seville.
It was a dominating performance despite the scoreline and it came against a nearly sold-out Camp Nou that, for the first time in a long time, exuded hope and excitement.
After dominating the first half, it took 40 seconds after halftime. Barcelona to get a penalty. Gavi played an excellent pass to Memphis Depay who was caught by a slip from Leandro Cabrera. The Dutch player stood up to take the corner.
The general optimism on the city’s streets after Xavi’s arrival was reflected inside the stadium. 74,418 fans have woken up a giant slumbering stadium this season due to the team’s poor results.
Xavi’s Barca played well and the fans reacted as if it were the beginning of a new era. The third generation in the line of succession began with Johan Cruyff, followed by Pep Guardiola and finally a loyal householder, Xavi.
Barca’s style of possessing power is back.
At the beginning of the game, a 17-year-old boy debuts Ilias Akhomach Slashed a good chance within six yards from a low cross from fellow Gavi after a smooth mix of passes. But it is a collective effort that has marked Barca’s classics.
The home team controlled the ball quite comfortably with more than 70% of the time holding the ball. Espanyol who had no answer except to defend with five men deep in the defence.
Depay’s opener saw the fans explode with joy and Barcelona could score more with just a little luck.
As they relaxed towards the end of the game, Espanyol had a chance to equalize thanks to Raul de Tomas, who hit the post twice. But the home team has won the first of their last five matches.
