He Barcelona receives the Manchester Utd in the first leg of the ‘play-off’ for access to the round of 16 european championship in full ascending curve, which sees him as the protagonist of La Liga.
Xavi Hernandez’s team rack up eleven consecutive official victoriesin which he kept six clean sheets.
“It’s a great match, it’s a spectacular draw for the spectator. The two teams arrive in the best moment of form and results,” said Xavi this Wednesday in the pre-match press conference.
Although the president of Barcelona, Joanna Laportarecently recalled that Barça’s big goal is the Spanish league, the european championship is emerging as Europe’s big payoff, after falling since Samples.
“We come from seasons without (European) successes, and even if it’s the Europa League it’s important to show that we can compete in Europe,” said the Barça coach.
Barça could only be third in their Champions League, reaching the second continental competition, where the good momentum makes them one of the main favourites.
Solid in defense, Barcelona are also fearsome in attack with the good timing of Robert Lewandowskiscorer of 23 goals in 27 games so far this season.
The Polish gunner is presented as the great offensive card of the Catalans in this duel, which they will remember the two Champions League finals played by the two teams in 2009 and 2011, both won by Barça.
Supported by their stadium, the Barça team will not have an easy life against a Manchester United which, having left behind the telenovela of Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell, is also in full ascending dynamics.
“Both clubs had ambitions to be in the Champions League, and not just be there, but have a real impact on it. The reality is that we are in the Europa League, which indicates that both clubs needed a reset and now we are both on the right track” said the United manager, Erik Tenhag.
United, who finished second in their Europa League group, are third in the English league, five points behind leaders Arsenal and rack up six consecutive games without losing, five of them victories.
The match will mark the Brazilian’s return to Spain casemirafter leaving Real Madrid to sign for United.
The English will be looking to keep the best version of their striker Marcus Rashford at the Camp Nou, scorer of 13 goals in his last 15 games, while Bruno Fernandes also appears to have returned to his best form for a decisive match.
Probable formations
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araújo, Christensen, Balde; Raphinha, De Jong; Pedri, Kessie, Gavi; Lewandowski. DT: Xavi Hernández.
Manchester Utd: David DeGea; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia; Casemirò, Fred; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Outside Weghorst. DT: Erik ten Hag.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.