Spanish media expect a 'magical night between Barcelona and Man United

‘Duel of the champions’: Spanish press hype up Barcelona’s clash against Manchester United and predict ‘a magical night’ between the fallen giants at the Nou Camp as they lock horns in the Europa League knockouts

  • Barcelona will host Manchester United at the Nou Camp in the Europa League
  • The heavyweight match is the stand out tie as the knock-out stage begins 
  • Spanish sports pages are eagerly anticipating the high-profile clash

The Spanish media have predicted on Barcelona and Manchester United will deliver a ‘magical night’ as the two resurgent clubs meet in the Europa League knock-out stage.

Barcelona welcome Erik ten Hag’s side to the Nou Camp on Thursday for the first leg of the playoff tie, as the teams seek a place in the last 16.

It will be the first time the two clubs will meet in UEFA’s second tier competition, with their previous 10 meetings coming in the Champions League, including two finals.

Mundo Deportivo highlighted the two club’s rich European heritage in the build-up, carrying the front page ‘Duel of the champions’.

The Barcelona-based newspaper highlighted LaLiga top scorer Robert Lewandowski and in-form Manchester United star Marcus Rashford ahead of the tie.

Mundo Deportivo labelled the heavyweight clash as the ‘Duel of the Champions’

Catalan newspaper Sport expect the two clubs to deliver a ‘magical night’ at the Nou Camp

Sport called on both clubs to ‘Make it a magical night’, with the sides meeting in the headline clash of the round.

The newspaper carried a quote from Barcelona boss Xavi, who declared his side are ‘ready to compete in Europe’.  

Barcelona will be playing their first match in the Europa League this season after being eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.

Both sides are well placed to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

Barca are currently top of LaLiga with an eight-point cushion to rivals Real Madrid, having embarked on a 16-match unbeaten run.

Manchester United have suffered just one defeat in their last 17 matches, with the Red Devils winning 14 in the process.

Ten Hag admitted pre-match both teams had the ambition to play on a higher stage, with the desire to make an impact on the Champions League in the future.

Barcelona have won the last four meetings between the sides, including the Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011.

Manchester United’s last win over Barca came in the Champions League semi-finals in 2008, before going on to lift the trophy. 


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