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Real Betis showdown is a statement game for Xavi

Since arriving at Barcelona last October, Xavi has navigated stormy waters.

The Blaugrana had just been knocked out of the Champions League, and were tumbling down the table.

Real concerns were setting in that the bad situation could turn into a catastrophe. Xavi had to bring stability, and the mission was to finish in the top four at any cost.

Xavi all but accomplished the goal after going on a tear in February and March.

As is often the case in La Liga, he was assisted by the lack of consistency from other teams at the top of the table, and the fact that Joan Laporta and Mateo Alemany executed a masterful winter transfer window that gave the team an advantage over their opponents.