FC Barcelona wins the derby against Espanyol in Xavi Hernández’s debut

(Reuters) – FC Barcelona fans finally had a reason to celebrate again this Saturday, as their team played arguably their best game of the season to achieve a 1-0 home win over local rivals Espanyol in LaLiga, in the debut of Xavi Hernández on the coach bench.

Xavi probably couldn’t have asked for much more in his first game leading a struggling Barça who are sixth in the standings, eight points behind leaders Sevilla.

It was a dominant performance despite the scoreboard and it happened in front of a nearly packed Camp Nou that brimmed with hope and excitement for the first time in a long time.

After dominating the first half, FC Barcelona scored with a penalty executed by Memphis Depay.

Credit: David Ramos / Getty Images

When Barça relaxed towards the end, Espanyol had chances to equalize through Raúl de Tomás, who hit the post twice. But the hosts endured the first victory in their last five league games.

Atlético de Madrid victory

Earlier, Brazilian defender Felipe headed Atlético de Madrid’s only goal in their home win on Saturday against Osasuna, leaving Argentina’s Diego Simeone-led in fourth place in the Spanish soccer league.

Osasuna’s five-man defense held out until the 87th minute, when Yannick Carrasco sent a perfect cross from the left and Felipe jumped between two opponents to head the ball into the net.

The victory leaves Atleti in fourth place, with 26 points, two behind the leaders, Sevilla, who drew 2-2 at home against Alavés.

It was difficult for Atlético to control Osasuna, who gradually got into the game and made it very difficult for the locals.

Jagoba Arrasate’s team was comfortable in possession of the ball and calm when facing Atleti attacks.

Simeone gave rest to several players, such as Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul, but brought both in the second half in a desperate attempt to break through Osasuna’s defense.

The locals created very few opportunities before Felipe scored the goal that made the local fans celebrate.

It was a chance at redemption for Felipe, who was in the eye of the storm after Atlético’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool earlier this month, when he made mistakes that resulted in two goals before he was sent off for a foul. against Sadio Mané.

“It is an unforgettable night. It has been a long time since I scored and it is very special for me,” said Felipe. “We have worked hard not to suffer, because suffering is part of Atlético’s history. We talked all week to try to correct some mistakes, but it was a very difficult game.”

Osasuna’s substitute Ante Budimir was about to equalize in injury time with a shot from outside the area, but Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a sensational save.