Xavi Hernandez ended his FC Barcelona reign with a 2-1 victory over Sevilla in their final LaLiga game of the season.
LaLiga
Result: Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona
Date: 26 May 2024
Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán
Manager Xavi Hernandez made two changes for his final starting line-up, as Andreas Christensen and Pedri were recalled in place of Sergi Roberto and Raphinha, who dropped to the bench.
The visitors got off to a good start when Joao Cancelo did well to pick out Robert Lewandowski who bagged his 19th league goal with an unorthodox finish at the far post.
Sevilla looked to get back on level terms a few minutes later when Jules Kounde gave possession away to Pedrosa, who unleashed a strike from the edge of the box that forced Marc-Andre Ter Stegen into a fine save.
The home side got their reward on 31 minutes when Youssef En-Nesyri fired past Ter Stegen from a tight angle for his 16th league goal after being played in by Boubakary Soumare.
Sevilla ended the first half the stronger of the two sides and they were unlucky not to take the lead just before the break through Dodi Lukebakio, whose towering header crashed against the crossbar.
The two sides carried the momentum into the second half, but it was Barcelona who restored their advantage in the 59th minute as Fermin Lopez collected the ball outside the box and cut inside before firing a low strike into the back of the net.
Ter Stegen was eager to redeem himself for Sevilla's equaliser and showed his worth after 73 minutes with a wonderful save to keep out Pedrosa's curling effort, which seemed destined for the top corner.
The hosts were unable to find a way back in the contest as Barcelona held out for the win to give Xavi a winning send off, as they finished the season in second place while Sevilla end in a disappointing 14th position.
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