In the second round of the Europa League there is a real classic: FC Barcelona are expecting Manchester United. Both teams are currently in top form.
The last time the two European football heavyweights met was not that long ago. In April 2019, Barca and the ‘Red Devils’ met in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In the end, the Catalans prevailed in two games.
In previous years, the top clubs had crossed paths in the final of the premier class. Barcelona won 2011 in London and 2009 in Rome. In the 2008 semifinals, on the other hand, Manchester prevailed. There were some high quality games. Young Lionel Messi met young Cristiano Ronaldo, while Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson duel on the touchline.
Anticipated Finale
Now the 14th duel in a European competitive game is scheduled for Thursday. However, not as usual in the Champions League, but in the intermediate round of the Europa League. On paper, it’s the anticipated finale.
That’s unusual: But Manchester United hadn’t even qualified for the premier class, Barcelona had only finished third in the group stage and were therefore “relegated”.
Both teams in top form
Nevertheless, the fans can hope for two big games. FC Barcelona are unbeaten in 16 competitive games and lead the Primera Divison table – eight points ahead of Real Madrid. United are currently third in the English Premier League.
Barca doomed to win
The pressure is more on the Spaniards, who are plagued by financial problems. Quite a few claim that Barca are doomed to triumph in the Europa League to halfway compensate for the losses from the Champions League. However, that was the goal last year as well, and Barca were defeated by Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.