Barcelona Coach, Xavi Hernandez will be expecting a tough duel against Manchester United when they face off in the first leg of the UEFA Europa league knockout round
Barca and United will go head to head at Camp Nou in the first leg on Thursday with the return fixture to come at Old Trafford a week later.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, Xavi urged his players to show off in their best performance and prove they can face off any top team
Both teams will approach the game against the background of their impressive performance at the domestic fronts- even though the Spanish giants dropped off from the Champions league to Europa.
“Tomorrow is a great match. It’s a spectacular tie. Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season. Ten Hag has changed the face of the team. It’s been hard for them, but they’re doing a great job.
“I expect a game with a lot of intensity and rhythm. It’s Europe and we want to show that we can compete against a top-level European rival.”
The Barcelona legend believes the match will not only be settled in the first leg but expects the game to be ultimately decided in the second leg at Old Trafford.
The former Spain international said: “A lot will be decided at Old Trafford. I see two very close matches. The pity is that we won’t play the second leg at home.
“I don’t think we are favourites. There are very good teams in this competition, it’s a very tough competition.”
Xavi added: “United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. In recent weeks they have been good and it will be very hard to win the game.”