La Liga returns with eyes on Xavi

MADRID. — After a nerve-wracking last World Cup qualifier for Spain, as they booked their place at next year’s finals by beating Sweden 1-0, the Spanish La Liga returns this weekend with all eyes on Barcelona. New manager Xavi Hernandez will take charge of the team in the Catalonia derby against Espanyol today and three days later Barca host Benfica in a game that could secure their place in the Champions League last 16.

Barca languish ninth in the Spanish La Liga, 11 points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad and 10 behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, and Xavi has the task of masterminding their first victory in four league matches.

The arrival of Xavi, one Barcelona’s greatest midfielders in his playing days, and the return of Brazilian right back Dani Alves have breathed new life into the club which their fans hope will kick-start their campaign. “I’m completely aware of the challenge that I have in front of me and the pressure that being Barcelona manager holds, but I’m doing it with eagerness, hope and desire,” Xavi said.

“It’s not about only winning. It’s winning with style, playing well, dominating. This is Barcelona’s DNA. We have to bring it back.”

Real Madrid travel to Granada tomorrow looking to keep up the pressure on surprise leaders Sociedad ahead of a Champions League trip to Sheriff Tiraspol, the Moldovan side who pulled off a shock victory in the Spanish capital in September.

Fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who squandered a two-goal lead in stoppage time to draw 3-3 with Valencia last time out, host Osasuna today.

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Today: Celta Vigo v Villarreal (3pm); Sevilla v Deportivo Alaves (5:15pm); Atletico Madrid v Osasuna (7:30pm); Barcelona v Espanyol (10pm).

Tomorrow: Getafe v Cadiz (3pm); Granada v Real Madrid (5:15pm); Elche v Real Betis (7:30pm); Real Sociedad v Valencia (10pm).

Monday: Rayo Vallecano v Mallorca (10pm). — AFP.