Two giants that somehow got lost down the road meet tonight in an environment they’re not used to. At least, the hosts are not, as Barcelona now has to settle with the UEFA Europa League after dropping down from the Champions League. And there, in the two-leg tie, they’re about to face their old pal, in what used to be a true UCL classic.##NAJAVA_MECA_7023604####EDITORS_CHOICE##Manchester United won the second-best European competition in 2017, and are eager to repeat the same accomplishment again in 2023. To do so, they first have to solve the major obstacle called FCB.Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has praised his counterpart Erik ten Hag for transforming Manchester United and turning Marcus Rashford into “one of the most dangerous players in Europe”.Rashford thrilled with Ten Hag’s arrival: ”He’ll change the club’s identity””Ten Hag is a great coach,” Xavi said.”In my mind, I believe that somehow [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task and he’s accomplishing it.”They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot.”He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone’s working very well, so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach.”Not every Potter is HarryOnly one Spaniard is allowed crazy experiments, and his name’s not ArtetaDon’t let his self-criticism fool you, this man is a geniusThe striker scored his 13th goal in 15 games since the World Cup in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Leeds, netting more than any other player in Europe in that time.”In the transition, he is very, very dangerous so we need to take care of all of them but especially Rashford,” added Xavi.”He’s one of the most dangerous players now in Europe.”Ahead of Barcelona v Manchester United in the Europa League #BARMUNHere’s a flashback to the 1991 CWC Final and that famous night in RotterdamFormer Barca player Mark Hughes got both goals for Man Utd in a 2-1 victory🎙from Brian Moorepic.twitter.com/rs7qPepcqo— 80s&90sfootball ⚽ 🏴 🇺🇦 (@80s90sfootball) February 16, 2023 Ten Hag returned Xavi’s praise and said the former midfielder has Barcelona heading in the right direction following a much-needed “reset”.”Both clubs are in the Europa League, but both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League,” he said.”Not just to be there but to have a real impact in the Champions League, after the group stage going to the semi-finals, final, to win even.”The reality is we are in the Europa League, but both clubs needed a reset and we are both going in the right direction.”It’s exciting to face each other. With each test you get better.”UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – Knockout stageFirst legThursday 20.45: (3.25) Shakhtar (3.40) Rennes (2.35)20.45: (1.80) Barcelona (3.60) Man.Utd. (4.60)20.45: (3.15) Salzburg (3.15) Roma (2.55)20.45: (2.15) Ajax (3.25) Union Berlin (3.60)23.00: (1.33) Sporting (5.70) Midtjylland (10.0)23.00: (1.37) Juventus (4.70) Nantes (9.00)23.00: (2.20) Leverkusen (3.60) Monaco (3.40)23.00: (2.25) Sevilla (3.25) PSV (3.60)***odds are subject to change
