Fermín Gifts Xavi a Victory in His Final Match
Fermín López provided a memorable farewell gift to his mentor, Xavi Hernández, by securing a 2-1 victory for Barcelona in Xavi's final match as the club's manager. Fermín's decisive second-half goal broke the deadlock established by Lewandowski and En-Nesyri during the first half at Sevilla's stadium, where Quique Sánchez Flores also bid farewell.
The match escalated in excitement during the latter part of the first half. Barcelona nearly took the lead with a close-range header from Pedri, which was brilliantly saved by Nyland, the Norwegian goalkeeper showing remarkable reflexes. Pedri and Cancelo then struck the posts, maintaining the tension.
Sevilla responded with a powerful header from Lukebakio, who outjumped Cubarsí to connect with a precise cross from Ocampos, but the ball hit the woodwork. Another chance came when Lukebakio sprinted towards Ter Stegen on a counterattack but narrowly missed the target with his left-footed shot.
Fermín decided the match just before the 75th minute. He received the ball in the left corner of the box, skillfully evaded a passive Juanlu, and unleashed a low right-footed strike that nestled into the near post, securing the win for Barcelona and capping Xavi's tenure with a memorable victory.