Xavi Hernández wrapped up his time as Barcelona coach with a 2-1 triumph against Sevilla in the final round of the Spanish league on Sunday.
Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Fermin López secured the win for Barcelona, which had announced on Friday that it would be parting ways with the former midfielder, despite a year remaining on his contract.
“We didn’t want this to end, but these are decisions made by the club,” Xavi remarked. “We didn’t win titles but we were on the right track. But soccer is like this, the directors will make their decisions. The response by the players was wonderful.”
After the match, Barcelona players paid tribute to Xavi.
“We will always wish Xavi the best,” said goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. “He’s been a friend for many years and it’s not easy to let him go ... He deserves the best.”
Having already secured second place and a spot in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia next season, Barcelona ended the season with four consecutive victories.
Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 31st minute, following Lewandowski’s 15th-minute opener for Barcelona. López netted the decisive goal for the Catalan club in the 59th minute.
Xavi’s exit comes a month after he reversed a previous decision to leave the club in January, citing improved team performance and a belief in a potential turnaround from a trophy-less season. However, President Joan Laporta, who had publicly praised Xavi’s decision to stay in April, reportedly became dissatisfied after Xavi spoke about the club’s financial challenges and their impact on competing with Real Madrid.
“Those who made the decision need to explain it,” said the 44-year-old Xavi, who plans to take a break from coaching.
In the final round of the league, Real Madrid, preparing for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, drew 0-0 with Real Betis on Saturday.
The teams qualifying for the Champions League next season are Barcelona, Girona, and Atletico Madrid. Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad will participate in the Europa League, while Betis secured a spot in the Conference League.
The relegated clubs this season are Cadiz, Almeria, and Granada.
Other results from Sunday included Mallorca’s 2-1 win at Getafe, Celta Vigo’s 2-2 draw with Valencia, and a 1-1 draw between Alaves and Las Palmas.
Girona’s Artem Dovbyk ended the season as the league’s top scorer with 24 goals, followed by Villarreal’s Alexander Sorloth with 23. Lewandowski and Madrid’s Jude Bellingham each scored 19 goals, tying for third place.
Madrid concluded the season with the best offensive record, scoring 87 goals, and the best defensive record, conceding only 26 goals.
