What Barcelona manager Xavi said to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after Europa League draw
Barcelona’s Xavi offered his congratulations to Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, following a 2-2 draw between the two teams in the opening leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday.
Ten Hag’s squad started strongly and had a productive first half, but fell behind in the 50th minute when former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso scored a header from close range.
Despite the setback, United responded quickly and Marcus Rashford scored just two minutes later to level the score. The Reds then took a 2-1 lead when Rashford’s low-driven cross deflected off Jules Kounde and past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
United looked like they were on their way to a memorable victory at Camp Nou, but Raphinha equalized for Barcelona in the 76th minute to make it 2-2.
The second leg of the Europa League playoff tie between United and Barcelona will take place at Old Trafford next Thursday, with the score tied at 2-2. As the away goals rule is no longer in effect, the winner of the return fixture will advance to the next stage.
Following the match, Xavi expressed admiration for Ten Hag and his team, indicating that United are making a comeback, while also noting that the Reds posed a challenge for Barcelona throughout the game.
“It was a really tough game, really difficult, with a lot of intensity, passion, rhythm,” Xavi told BT Sport. “We have to be proud because we compete really well until the end. We could have won in the last two chances but we played today against a top team in Europe.
“I think Manchester is coming back, and today they showed their best version. We compete really well, we need to be proud, and now we need to compete well in Old Trafford.”
He added: “I think both teams are in more or less in the same moment, same position, that we are coming back. I said to Ten Hag now congratulations because he is doing very well and they are Manchester United, so yes, it can be a final or semi-final or quarter-final in the future of the Champions League, but now we are in Europa League.
“We are coming back and today we showed a very best performance, both teams.”
What Barcelona manager Xavi said to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after Europa League draw
