Fired Xavi ends Barça’s reign with victory over Sevilla

Xavi Hernandez stepped down as Barcelona manager with a 2-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday to end the La Liga season.

The Catalans, second, ended the campaign without trophies, but at least they managed to triumph in Xavi’s last game in charge, after president Joan Laporta fired him on Friday.

Just weeks earlier, Barcelona announced that Xavi would stay for next season, after the coach said in January that he had decided to step down in the summer.

Appointed in November 2021, Xavi led Barcelona to the Spanish title last season, but this year his team finished 10 points behind champions and rivals Real Madrid.

German coach Hansi Flick is expected to be named Xavi’s successor next week.

Robert Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead from close range but Youssef En-Nesyri equalized for Sevilla, whose coach Quique Sanchez Flores will also leave the team at the end of the season.

One of Xavi’s successes in the role was giving opportunities to young players, including stars Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, but also midfielder Fermin Lopez.

The 21-year-old gave Barcelona the lead in the second half with a low shot from outside the box.

Lopez ran up to Xavi to give the coach who was leaving after the goal a hug.

“Firstly, as a professional, he gave us so much, he worked every day so that we could be successful,” Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen told DAZN.

“We thank him very much for his time. We wish him the best – on a personal level, he has been a friend for many years and it is never easy to see him go.”

Some Sevilla fans protested against the board before the game, wearing black and entering the game 10 minutes late after another disappointing campaign. The Andalusians finish 14th.

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