Xavi Hernandez to Depart Barcelona After Current Season

Barcelona’s coach Xavi Hernandez announced his departure from the team at the season’s end following a stunning 5-3 loss to Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday. This defeat came as Real Madrid moved ahead in the league standings with a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas.

Barcelona, in third place and feeling the heat, experienced a rollercoaster match against Villarreal. Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach initially put Villarreal in the lead, but Barcelona responded with goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri, followed by an own goal from Eric Bailly.

Villarreal regained control late in the game with goals from Goncalo Guedes, Alexander Sorloth, and Jose Luis Morales, leaving Barcelona trailing Madrid by 10 points.

Xavi, addressing the media, expressed his belief that a change in dynamics was necessary for the club and confirmed he would step down as coach from June 30. Despite his planned departure, he remains committed to finishing the season strong.

Villarreal’s victory included disallowed goals before Moreno opened the scoring. Barcelona faced frustration from their fans at their temporary Olympic Stadium home and struggled defensively, a stark contrast to the previous season’s robust performance.

Villarreal capitalized on a mistake by Cancelo, allowing Akhomach to score. Barcelona then fought back with goals from Gundogan and Pedri, and an own goal from Bailly. However, Villarreal’s offense proved too much, with Guedes and others sealing the victory.

A controversial moment arose when a penalty awarded to Barcelona was overturned after VAR review, inciting anger from Xavi.

The match ended with Villarreal securing their first win in five games and coach Marcelino’s first victory against Barcelona in 21 attempts. Moreno reflected on the significance of the win for the fans.

Earlier, Real Madrid took the top spot in the league thanks to a late header from birthday boy Aurelien Tchouameni, who scored the winner against Las Palmas. Despite Madrid missing top scorer Jude Bellingham, coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his motivated bench for changing the game’s dynamic.

Las Palmas, sitting eighth, proved a formidable opponent but ultimately succumbed to Madrid’s comeback, with Vinicius Junior leveling the score and Tchouameni’s header ensuring the win. Ancelotti commended his team’s effectiveness in set-piece situations.