2023-02-22
Amid extra-sports tensions, Barcelona visits Manchester United on Thursday in search of a pass to the Europa League round of 16, following drawing 2-2 at the Camp Nou.
The Barça team faces the return of the play-off for access to the round of 16 of the Europa League in the middle of the investigation into a company of a former referee for some payments made by Barça.
“I have never felt that they have helped us in Europe or in Spain, I have never felt this,” coach Xavi Hernández said on Wednesday, when asked once more regarding the case at the press conference prior to the match once morest United.
They reveal the harsh reaction that Dani Alves had when he realized that he would continue in jail
Despite their problems off the field, the Catalan team is still on a good run on the field as the leader of LaLiga with eight points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
– Sensitive casualties –
After the draw at the Camp Nou, Barça will have to go for the victory in England, although they will face the match with several sensitive casualties.
The Barcelona group will not be able to count on the injured Ousmane Dembélé and Pedri, nor with Gavi, sanctioned by accumulation of cards.
Pedri and Gavi had been the two great drivers of Barça in the first leg at the Camp Nou, but they will not be able to help their team in Manchester, where captain Sergio Busquets is expected to lead the team once more.
“Pedri is the reference player, he doesn’t lose balls, he is fundamental, and Gavi is pure passion, pure intensity, which is precisely what we need tomorrow,” Xavi explained this Wednesday, before clarifying that “we have alternatives.”
Historic rival of Barcelona in Champions exploits by ‘Caso Negreira’
Without either of the two young centre-backs to accompany Lewandowski and Raphinha in attack, Xavi might opt for Sergi Roberto to play that role.
Opposite is a Manchester United who is also going through a great moment of form, following a difficult start to the season.
The English club, which is in third place in the Premier League five points behind leader Arsenal, played a good game at the Camp Nou, but lacked punch to finish off the match.
“Against teams like Barcelona we have to give our best to reach the next round,” United coach Erik Ten Hag warned on Wednesday, who announced that he will not be able to count on Anthony Martial.
PROBABLE ALIGNMENTS
Man United: DeGea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kound, Ronald Thunder, Christensen, Bucket; Kessie, Busquets, De Jong; Sergi Roberto, Lewandowski, Wing
When: Thursday, February 23 (2:00 PM)
Where: Old Trafford, Mánchester
That: second leg of the UEFA Europa League play-offs (first leg: 2-2)
How to follow it: on ESPN and DIEZ.HN
