Barcelona: After the thrifting last World Cup qualifier for Spain when they booked their place in the final next year by beating Sweden 1-0, Laliga returned this weekend with all eyes in Barcelona.
The new manager Xavi Hernandez will be responsible for the team in the Catalonia Derby against Espanyol on Saturday and three days later Barca host Benfica in a game that can secure their place in the last Champions League 16.
Barca feels languishing in Laliga, 11 points leader Real Sociedad and 10 Behind Real Madrid arch rivals, and Xavi had the task of masterminding their first win in four league matches.
The arrival of Xavi, Barcelona’s largest midfielder in the days of play, and the return of Brazil returned Dani Alves had exhaled new life into the club who hoped their fans would kickstart their campaign.
“I really realized the challenge I had in front of me and the pressure that the Barcelona manager held, but I did it with desire, hope and desire,” Xavi said.
“It’s not just to win.
It wins in style, playing well, dominates.
This is Barcelona DNA.
We have to bring it back.” Real Madrid traveled to Granada on Sunday to keep surprise leaders, Sociedad ahead of the Champions League trip to Sheriff Tiraspol, the Moldovan team who made a surprising victory in the Spanish capital in September.
Vinicius Jr.
It has shone for Real Madrid this season and in the absence of a hurt Neymar, the 21-year-old began to Brazil in a 0-0 draw with Argentina on Wednesday and brought the club form sparkling to the international stage.
Sociedad accommodates Valencia on Sundays and Sevilla, raising points with Real Madrid, entertaining Alaves on Saturday offers to extend the unbeaten league run for almost two months.
Atletico Madrid who were fourth, which wasted lead two goals at the time of cessation to draw 3-3 with Valencia last time, host Osasuna on Saturday.