• Loading stock data...
Monday, November 11, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Xavi Sparks Epic Resurgence For Budget-Conscious Barcelona

  • Barca has gone from ninth place to second since Xavi took over in November.
  • They are the favorites (+140) to win Europa League.
FC Barcelona

When Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez took over as manager on Nov. 6, the club sat in ninth place in La Liga and were about to miss the Champions League knockout stage for the first time since 2004.

The inexperienced coach has managed to flip Barca from crisis mode to contenders. Xavi’s squad are in second place and unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions — including a 4-0 El Clasico rout of leaders Real Madrid.

Now, even disgruntled winger Ousmane Dembele — a $154 million transfer who wanted out before the resurgence — is reportedly eyeing an extension. And he’s not the only player thriving as Barca make the most of their precarious finances.

  • Demebele has a goal and seven assists in his last seven matches; his 10 assists are second in La Liga to Karim Benzema (11).
  • Free transfer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has nine goals and an assist in his last nine matches.
  • Pedri — the reigning Kopa Trophy winner for best young player — scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Sevilla that put Barca in second.

After a tumultuous offseason that saw the debt-ridden Catalan giants lose Lionel Messi, Barcelona is once again one of the most attractive places to play in the world.

It’s probably too late to challenge Real for La Liga, but there’s still a possibility for silverware: Barcelona are the favorites (+140) to win Europa League.

Xavi’s men take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?

NWSL Signs First College Player Since Abolishing Draft

The new era of true free agency in the NWSL has arrived.

Lululemon-Fanatics Collab With NHL Sees ‘Explosive’ First-Day Sales

The premium collection made up 80% of all NHL merch sales.
Feb 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Team King defender Savannah Harmon (15) scores against Team Kloss goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) during the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

PWHL Will Add Two Teams in Expansion Move

Possible new sites include Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Quebec City.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Roger Goodell Wants MORE International Games

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Nov 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at AT&T Stadium.

Why Won’t Jerry Jones Hang Curtains for Cowboys Games?

AT&T Stadium put up curtains for “WrestleMania” and The Eras Tour.
November 7, 2024

Cardinals Return to DSG at Reduced Fee, but Company’s Issues Remain

The team’s revised rights deal includes a lowered fee and newly added streaming rights.
November 10, 2024

Bucks Limited by Salary Cap Woes Amid Early-Season Struggles

Milwaukee is one of four teams above the NBA’s second apron this season.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 6, 2024

Chiefs Eye Perfect Season, Three-Peat, and Capitalizing Off the Field

Despite injuries and an abnormally low average margin of victory, the wins keep coming for Kansas City.
November 5, 2024

Twins At Crossroads: Team Sale, Media Shifts, and Rising Competition

Team officials look to maintain “business as usual” amid growing uncertainty.
November 5, 2024

Sorry, Sacramento: Your MLB Team Will Only Be Known As the Athletics 

The club’s new “brand transition guidelines” remove any reference to a place.
November 3, 2024

Embiid’s Clash With Reporter Sparks NBA Probe, Concerns for Sixers

The former NBA Most Valuable Player angrily confronts and shoves a local columnist.