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Xavi Hernández's playing debut for FC Barcelona

Xavi Hernández played his first minutes for FC Barcelona on 24 March 1998 in the semi-final of the Copa Catalunya against Lleida Esportiu, but he didn’t make his official debut until 18 August 1998 in the Spanish Super Cup first leg against RCD Mallorca at the Lluís Sitjar. Louis van Gaal was the coach that sent the 18-year-old on for his first taste of senior competitive football.