In a season marred by setbacks and internal turmoil, Barcelona finds themselves at a crossroads, their fate inextricably linked to the outcome of Sunday’s highly-anticipated Clásico against eternal rivals Real Madrid. For Xavi Hernández, the man who donned the Blaugrana colors with pride and distinction as a player, this clash at the Santiago Bernabéu could very well be his last stand as the club’s manager.
The stakes could not be higher.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is staring at another touchline ban after being sent off during his side’s impressive 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. The former midfield maestro talked himself into trouble yet again, earning a red card for dissent after haranguing the match official.
According to reports from Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Diario Sport, Xavi is likely facing a two-match ban that would rule him out of Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga fixtures against Las Palmas and Cadiz.
Barcelona, the former giants of European football, found themselves at a crossroads as they prepared to host Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League knockout tie. With the scores level after the first leg in Italy, the stakes were high, but Xavi Hernandez’s team selection raised more than a few eyebrows.
In a bold move that defied conventional wisdom, the Barcelona manager entrusted the club’s hopes and dreams to a group of talented yet largely untested youngsters.
