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XtraTime Web Desk : Xavi's managerial career with Barcelona in the Champions League starts with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Benfica at the Camp Nou in a match that was crucial for them to qualify into the next round of the tournament. Although they had 61 percent possession and a disallowed goal for offside, Barca were unable to finish those opportunities.

The Barca team were largely average in the whole match as they wasted a lot of opportunities in front of the goal and their own supporters. Although they were better in the first half and played good football, Benfica came back into the match soon in the second half. A Yaremchuk shot which was saved Marc Andre Ter Stegen and a missed chance from Haris Seferovic in the second chance ensured that the home team didn't face an embarrassing loss again after their 3-0 loss in Portugal, earlier this season.

Among all the disappointments, missed chances and negatives there was one positive for the newly appointed Blaugrana manager Xavi in the form of Ousmane Dembele. The French winger returned from an injury to play as a substitute in the second half. The attacker could prove to be vital if Barca are to achieve good things this season. With the qualification into the Champions League last 16 being tough for Barca, it would be interesting to see how Xavi's men play in the last match of their group against the tournament favorites Bayern Munich in Germany.