Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona head coach celebrated his 50th game in command with a crucial La Liga victory over Valencia.
Raphinha’s early goal was enough to clinch all three points against Los Che in Catalonia. That make Barca leaving rivals Real Madrid behind by nine points in the championship race.
Xavi has already won his first trophy as La Blaugrana manager, defeating Real Madrid in the 2022/23 Spanish Supercopa final in January. He might complete a domestic treble before the conclusion of the season.
Yet, the weekend triumph over struggling Valencia was a personal milestone for Xavi, as he surpassed his previous mentor Pep Guardiola as the second best-ever Barcelona manager based on the first 50 games in charge.
Xavi Hernandez has 37 league victories and 118 points, compared to Guardiola’s first 50 league wins and 117 points.
The only Barcelona manager with a better early record than Xavi is Luis Enrique, who has 127 goals in his first 50 games as manager in 2014/15.
Xavi also becomes the first Barcelona coach to win 37 league games in 50 league matches, tying Carlo Ancelotti. He is only beaten by Zinedine Zidane (39), Jose Mourinho (39), and Miguel Munoz (40).
FC Barcelona coaches with the greatest LaLiga win percentage (at least 50 games managed);
Pep Guardiola – 76.3% (152 games)
Luis Enrique (76.3%) (114 games)
XAVI HERNNDEZ (74.0%) (50 games)