March 21, (THEWILL)- Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez faces a two-match touchline ban in La Liga after receiving a red card during the club’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid last weekend. The Spanish tactician will miss crucial league encounters against Las Palmas and Cadiz as a result of the suspension imposed by Spain’s football federation, the RFEF.
The incident occurred when Xavi vehemently protested against the referee’s decisions, leading to two quick yellow cards. First, he expressed displeasure over the official’s failure to award a foul for a challenge on Ilay Gundogan. Moments later, Xavi voiced his frustration again when a potential penalty was not given, resulting in his dismissal from the technical area.
Fortunately for Barcelona, Xavi’s ban does not extend to the UEFA Champions League. He will be present on the touchline when the Catalan giants face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at Parc des Princes on April 16. However, upon his return to domestic duties, Xavi faces a pivotal La Liga Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on April 23.
With Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by eight points in the title race, the Clasico clash could prove decisive in determining the destination of the league crown. Xavi’s presence on the sidelines will be crucial as his team aims to reignite their fading championship hopes in his final season at the helm.
Speculation surrounds Xavi’s successor, with sporting director Deco dismissing rumours linking Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta to the role. As Barcelona enters a transitional period, the club’s hierarchy faces the daunting task of identifying the ideal candidate to guide the team into a new era.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
