Champions League: Fates for Xavi and Barça

An at zero victory has bothered forever in the statistics, should be searched there in the future to Xavi's debut as a coach of the FC Barcelona. The result does not tell the whole truth.

A certain handwriting, which concerns ball circulation or pressing, was already recognizable at the 1-0 against the increased urban rivals Español, not unlike the style under Pep Guardiola. All football gods had it with his premiere, however, well with Xavi.

Twice in aluminum luck

The FCB, the Xavi started with the 17-year-old debutant Ilia's, went through a flattering penalty in leadership — in the final phase he would have to have actually collected at least one counterpart: Español Data headed freestanding from a few meters at the gate, target player DE Tomas met the post twice.

Now, at the end, only counts, which is on the scoreboard: the result. But if the Catalans on Tuesday (21 clocks, live! At League) have less luck, it could be quite unpleasant for them. In Xavi's second game as a Barça coach, it is against Benefice — and not much less than participation in the K.-O. Round of the Champions League.

Shoot the Bavaria Barça in the Europa League?

Because Barcelona loses a second time against Benefice as well as in Lisbon, pass the Portuguese (two points behind) on the five-time title carrier, who will meet the Bayern on the last match day. Even a draw could therefore be too little on Tuesday, because in UEFA competitions the direct comparison counts.

In the league, despite the derby victory, the FCB is only on Europe League Square Six, now the under house of international football threatens already this season. With all the expectations of the former world-class player, this would be the next setback for the above all financially degraded world club. So Xavi's second game becomes a fate game for the FC Barcelona.