Xavi enjoys win vs. Espanyol in debut as Barcelona coach

Barcelona's head coach Xavi Hernandez gives instructions from the side line during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 (Joan Monfort/AP).

BARCELONA, Spain -- Xavi Hernandez enjoyed a win on his return to Camp Nou as Barcelona's new coach on Saturday, with Memphis Depay scoring in a 1-0 victory against Espanyol.

The crowd of 74,000 chanted ``Xavi! Xavi!'' in the sixth minute in honor of the number Xavi wore for 17 seasons when the Spain great helped Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta forge one of soccer's greatest sides.

He was hired two weeks ago before an international break for club competition when Ronald Koeman was let go after one too many painful defeats. Xavi is back after six years playing and coaching in Qatar as the man the club hopes can restore the team to greatness after years of decline.

Depay broke through for Barcelona two minutes into the second half of the Catalan derby. The Netherlands striker converted a penalty he had earned after a key pass by Gavi Paez.

After barely touching the ball in the first half, Espanyol had two excellent chances to grab a late equalizer. But substitute Landy Dimata headed wide from point-blank range before Raul de Tomas's header hit the post.

Barcelona moved into sixth place in the Spanish league, eight points behind leader Sevilla and second-place Real Sociedad.

Ivan Rakitic's stoppage-time goal lifted Sevilla to the top of the table after fighting back for a 2-2 home draw with Alaves.

Atletico Madrid also needed a late goal by center back Felipe Monteiro to edge Osasuna 1-0 at home.

SEVILLA WINS

Alaves was poised to get only its second-ever victory at Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium when Rakitic fired home a ball that fell to him from a poorly defended cross.

The draw left Sevilla ahead of Sociedad on goal difference. Sociedad plays Valencia on Sunday, when Real Madrid can also move ahead of Sevilla if it wins at Granada.

Defender Victor Laguardia powered in a header from a corner kick to give Alaves the fifth-minute lead.

Lucas Ocampos equalized for Sevilla in the 38th, but his handball allowed Joselu Mato to put the visitors back ahead in first-half injury time from the penalty spot.

ATLETICO STAYS CLOSE

Diego Simeone had loaded Atletico's starting 11 with attacking players led by Antoine Griezmann, but Osasuna's stubborn defense had the visitors three minutes from earning a point in the capital.

That was when Felipe jumped high at the near post to slice a cross by Yannick Carrasco into the opposite side of the net and grab the winner.

Carrasco almost added a second goal in stoppage time when Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was caught off his line, only for the shot from deep to hit the post.

The win left fourth-place Atletico one point behind Real Madrid in third.

Atletico hosts AC Milan on Wednesday in a match that it needs to win to boost its chances of advancing from a tough Champions League group that includes Liverpool and Porto.

WINLESS AWAY

Villarreal stayed winless on the road in seven league games this season after Celta Vigo came from behind for a 1-1 draw.

When submitting content, please abide by our  submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More or change your cookie preferences. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies.
close