Four key stats from Barcelona 1-0 Espanyol

A new era commenced at FC Barcelona as the garnet and blue took on derby rivals Espanyol at home.

Xavi took charge of his first game and while it could have kicked off in a better fashion, Barcelona managed to steal all three points with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Memphis Depay penalty.

While this game was quite reminiscent of Quique Setien’s first game in charge, it was a refreshing change to see fans thoroughly, unapologetically behind the team for 90 minutes.

Despite there being a solitary goal separating the sides, there were several statistical takeaways. Barça Universal crunches the numbers for you in this article.

With 74,418 fans, Camp Nou saw its highest attendance of the season. Even though this has to do with Covid-19 restrictions as well, we cannot say that the Xavi effect is not there.

Image: 74,418 fans are at the Camp Nou tonight, a season record. pic.twitter.com/ZE9zNozoPZ

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 20, 2021

Barcelona showed high intensity as soon as the game began, with a record-breaking number of shots of the season.

Barcelona attempted 11 shots against Espanyol (four shots on target), the highest total in a first half of a match this season in all competitions.

— @OptaJose pic.twitter.com/IYdFtzJBFv

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 20, 2021

With Memphis getting better and better, he shows his importance once again with the goal that he scored from the spot – which he won himself.

Memphis Depay is the first Barcelona player to provoke 3 penalties in a LaLiga season since Luis Suárez in 2017/18.

— @OptaJose

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 20, 2021

And it does not end there.. The Dutchman comes yet again as a rescuer.

No player has won his team more goals than Memphis Depay in La Liga this season, 7 points with 7 goals.

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 20, 2021

Considering the score sheet, the Camp Nou would have hoped for better performance, but after their relentless support for Xavi today, one can expect another packed house when Barcelona host Benfica in the Champions League. Xavi season is well and truly underway!