Barcelona achieved an important objective on Sunday by taking down Rayo Vallecano, traditionally an intractable opponent, and wrapping up second place in the league.
With it comes important financial rewards, and a place in the Spanish Supercup next season.
These are not big prizes for the players themselves. But for club president Joan Laporta, and other figures in the front office, it was essential that Xavi and his men get the job done.
So why were there so many distractions this week?
After months of supporting Xavi, and asking him to return as manager, in spite of the coach’s declaration to leave, Laporta did a spectacular 180.