VideoFC Barcelona has started the era under new coach Xavi with a victory. The 41-year-old club icon, who took over from the fired Ronald Koeman, led his team to a narrow 1-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol thanks to Memphis Depay.
Tens of thousands of seats were occupied in Camp Nou, where the crowd turned out en masse to witness the inauguration of a new era with their own eyes. Yes, the loyal supporters of FC Barcelona finally have the cautious feeling that the top club can revive times of yesteryear. The starting shot for this came from the right leg of Memphis Depay, who shot his team to a 1-0 victory.
Shortly after the break, Memphis decorated a questionable penalty, which he then used hard through the middle. The attacker of the Dutch national team thus increased his season total to seven. Memphis is FC Barcelona’s club top scorer and is now joint number two on the Spanish top scorers list.
The Dutchman also turned out to be the most dangerous man on the side of the Blaugranas under Xavi. FC Barcelona was supreme in the first half. Opportunities were mainly there for Memphis, but he ran into experienced goalkeeper Diego Lopez time and again. The biggest opportunity came early in the game from the Dutchman’s foot. Memphis was brought into position by Frenkie de Jong, but his volley was turned.
Missing opportunities seems to be the biggest concern for Xavi. In football, Barça looks fresh and attractive, but due to the low punch in the front, Espanyol was unable to shake off Espanyol definitively. This allowed Espanyol to hope for a point in the final phase. The visitors hit the post twice and missed another huge opportunity, leaving the points in Camp Nou.
Sixth
Barça finally took three points in the derby after four games in a row without a win. The Catalans thus maintained their connection with the upper regions in Spain. The home team rose to sixth place in La Liga thanks to the three-pointer. The hunt for rehabilitation under Xavi has thus started.
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