Barcelona manager Xavi has praised Cristiano Ronaldo after his side drew Manchester United in the Europa League.
United, who were just one goal away from winning their group against Real Sociedad last week in San Sebastian, were drawn against Barcelona in the Europa League playoff round on Monday morning.
Barcelona finished third in their Champions League group and have dropped into the Europa League to play United. They are currently top of La Liga, despite a recent heavy defeat against Real Madrid, and they are second favourites to win the competition.
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That means Ronaldo will face Barcelona, who he scored 20 goals against during his nine years spent with Real Madrid, again.
Barcelona boss Xavi was asked about facing Ronaldo on Monday afternoon at his press conference and he played down talk of his 'decline'. Xavi said: “Barcelona have never won the Europa League. It’s a challenge, we are going to try and win it.
“Ronaldo in decline? He seems to me to be a great player, who has marked an era in world football and can still make the difference."
The first leg of the play-off between the two European giants will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023, while the second leg will be played a week later on February 23 and United will be at home at Old Trafford for that clash.
United lost 4-0 on aggregate against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2019 when the sides last met.
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