Barcelona manager Xavi has warned his team that they must be at their best if they are to knock Manchester United out of the Europa League. United are next in action when they travel to face the La Liga giants in the first leg of their play-off tie this week, with a place in the knockout stage proper up for grabs.
Whichever team comes through the two-legged encounter will be one of the favourites to go on and win the competition, as both sides look to add another European trophy to their collection.
United head into the match in fine form after their impressive 2-0 win at Leeds on Sunday, while Barcelona warmed up for the clash with a 1-0 win at Villarreal on the same day.
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Xavi's side are the current leaders in La Liga and will pose one of United's toughest tests of the season so far, but they are not underestimating their opponents either.
“We analyzed Manchester United, and I can tell you: They are a great team. It will be very complicated," Xavi told BarçaTV+.
“Now we move our focus to the match on Thursday. You never know with European competitions, it will be very tough, for sure.”
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