Watch: Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol, Match Review

Barcelona defeat Espanyol in the Catalan Derby, and secure victory in Xavi Hernández’s first game as Barcelona coach. The victory moves Barcelona up to 6th place in the table, with the only goal of the game coming through a Memphis Depay penalty.

Already, there was evidence of the work Xavi has been implementing on this Barcelona team on the training ground, with high intensity and pressure, especially in recovering the ball. Again, Barcelona struggled to be effective in the final third, and can also consider themselves lucky not to concede, with Espanyol missing several clear-cut chances in the second half.

Overall, the sensations are positive following Xavi’s debut as Barça coach, with a clear vision and identity that can be built on in the coming months. Up next for Barcelona, it’s Benfica in the Champions League at the Camp Nou, in what is a make or break game, and a must win if Barça are to progress to the next round of this season’s Champions League.