Xavi Hernandez Sets Unwanted Record Following Barcelona’s La Liga Defeat to Girona

• Barcelona have continued an unconvincing start to their season so far
• The reigning La Liga champions suffered a defeat to city rivals Girona
• Coach Xavi Hernandez set an unwanted record with the La Liga defeat

Barcelona's lacklustre start to the season took another hit as they faced a defeat against city rivals, Girona in La Liga.

The Catalan club, struggling to replicate their championship-winning form from the 2022/23 season, conceded an early goal when Ukrainian forward, Artem Dovbyk scored from a defence-splitting pass by fullback, Yan Couto.

Although Barcelona managed to equalise seven minutes later, Girona reasserted their dominance with a strike from Real Madrid academy product, Miguel Guitierrez, putting them back in the lead.

The Catalans failed to respond effectively in the second half and goals from Valery Fernandez and Cristhian Stuani on either side of a 92nd-minute finish from Ilkay Gundogan ensured a 4-2 victory for Los Blanquivermells.

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Football

This defeat, reported as Barcelona's heaviest since the beginning of the season, left La Blaugrana supporters disheartened while their cross-city rivals celebrated by moving two points clear of Real Madrid to claim the top spot in the table.

Amid the mixed reactions and celebrations that followed the intense footballing spectacle, Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez found himself in the unwanted record books of the Catalan club due to the defeat.

Xavi sets unwanted Barcelona record

The 43-year-old former midfielder, who took charge of the club in November 2021, now holds the title of the manager with the second-worst win percentage of any Barcelona coach in the last 15 years, as per data courtesy of La Liga Extra.

With a win rate of 62.16%, Xavi falls behind Quique Setien (64%) and only surpasses Ronald Koeman, who had a win rate of 58.2%.

With reports circulating about a potential dismissal and replacement, per Sport, the pressure is on Xavi to urgently employ strategic measures and turn things around for Barcelona.

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Lewandowski rallies Barcelona teammates

Sports Brief previously reported on Barcelona star, Robert Lewandowski urging his teammates on amid their disappointing run of form in La Liga.

The 35-year-old spoke to the club’s official website expressing belief and intent ahead of the important clashes against Girona and Atletico Madrid.