Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Michel Sanchez's side moved one point clear of Real Madrid, who beat Las Palmas on Saturday, although the Catalan team have played one more match. Portu finished well in the 20th minute to send Girona ahead in a match they largely dominated but could not make safe by finding a second goal.
Rafa Benitez's Celta, provisionally 16th, sit two points above the relegation zone. Girona, in the top flight for only the fourth season in their history, continue to battle with Spain's giants for La Liga. On a rough pitch at Celta's Balaidos stadium, Girona took the initiative from the start.
Yangel Herrera hammered into the side netting as an early warning and Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita kept out an Artem Dovbyk header. The Ukrainian, La Liga's joint top goalscorer with Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham on 14 goals, came close on other occasions but could not add to his tally.
Girona's Paulo Gazzaniga saved well from Oscar Mingueza before his team took the lead. Miguel Gutierrez found Portu, who manoeuvered well and stroked home at the near post. Viktor Tsygankov fired over after being teed up by his compatriot Dovbyk at the end of a slick team-move.
Celta threatened through Jorgen Strand Larsen, who headed against the crossbar, but that was as close as they came to an equaliser. Girona tightened up defensively in a hard-fought second half and Celta could not carve out any clear chances as the clock ticked down.
Barcelona, third, lost 5-3 at home against Villarreal on Saturday, after which coach Xavi Hernandez said he would leave the club in June. Later Sunday Atletico Madrid, fourth, host Valencia, while Athletic Bilbao, fifth, visit Cadiz.
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