Xavi's first game in charge: what are the numbers behind the win?

Xavi Hernandez had his first game as Barcelona manager in a 1-0 win against Espanyol. He kicked off a great start to his revolution campaign.

Controversial penalty awarded against Espanyol was converted by Memphis Depay to earn Xavi his first win at Camp Nou as a manager and it reignite hope in the club. This was noticed in the turnout of fans at the stadium who believe Xavi era will bring good tidings to the club. 

Barcelona had averaged 40,054 fans per game at home in La Liga this season, their lowest in 20 years. Only the El Classico drew more crowds than Xavi's debut, 74,418 fans turned up at Camp Nou nearly double the 37,278 fans that attended their last home game against Alaves.

Memphis Depay's penalty makes him the first Barcelona player to provoke three penalties in a La Liga season after Luis Suarez in 2017/2018. The Dutch man wrap up another record under Xavi as no other player in La Liga this season won his team more goals seven or points seven. Barcelona has their best first half this season across all competitions in Xavi's debut, 11 shots and four shots on target against Espanyol, all thanks to brilliant Xavi game play.