Xavi and Ten Hag had incredible nights at the Camp Nou in their own ways. Xavi congratulated Erik ten Hag on Thursday with Manchester United’s draw against Barcelona (2-2). The Spanish coach is impressed by his colleague’s work. Xavi said, “We played against one of the best teams in Europe.”
Both superpowers kept each other in balance in the intermediate round of the Europa League. Next week, Barça and United will decide in England who qualifies for the round of 16. “I assumed everything would be decided at Old Trafford and that’s what will happen,” Xavi reflected afterwards. “We played against a top European club. I congratulated Erik ten Hag, because he is doing very well. This is Manchester United.”
Barcelona hoped for more after Raphinha’s equalizer, but referee Maurizio Mariani decided to leave Fred’s handball unpunished. “An obvious penalty,” Xavi snorted. “I made that clear to the referee, but it didn’t change anything. He told me the arm was next to the body, but I see it differently. This is a penalty.”
All in all, Xavi looked back on the game with a good feeling, “I’m quite pleased. We don’t like to play a draw, but we competed with an opponent who reached a spectacular level. United are currently one of the best teams in Europe. In terms of intensity we were able to level and at times we dominated.”
Erik ten Hag’s opinion
Incidentally, there was also bad news for Barcelona. Pedri was injured before the break with a thigh injury and is likely to be out for the next few weeks. On the other hand, the approaching return of Sergio Busquets. “The program is tough, so Pedri’s injury is a setback. We hope to have Busquets back on Sunday. Tomorrow we will see what is bothering Pedri, a final check is needed,” he added.
Erik ten Hag enjoyed Manchester United’s performance at Camp Nou. The first leg in the intermediate round of the Europa League against Barcelona ( 2-2 ) was of a high level, according to the Dutch coach.
“I think the referee had a very big influence on the match. I think it’s a clear offense to Rashy. You can argue about whether it’s inside or outside the penalty area, but then it’s a red card because he only went for the keeper. That has a major influence not only on this match, but on the return. Referees are not allowed to make mistakes like that,” Ten Hag said to BT Sport on Thursday evening.
