Xavi looks to clean up his CV further with victory over Atletico as part of a strong end to the season

The announcement that a meal leaving at the end of the season can go one of two ways. Either the dead man walking proves unable to motivate his team and everything falls apart, or the relief of knowing there is a finite amount of time gives everyone a lift.

In the case of Xavi, so far it has been more the latter than the former. His time at the club has not been a disaster, it is simply a lack of tangible progress in the time leading to Barcelona wanting to try something new. And since his I announced a month agohis team is unbeatable.

They advanced in the Champions League and form taken against some of the weaker sides in the league. Tonight's game against Atletico is the biggest challenge they have faced since that announcement, and the outgoing coach will be desperate to get another win which will not only guarantee that he leaves the team with the Champions League, but also add another flourish to the CV. is about to start sending out.