Barcelona vs Manchester United

Spotify Camp Nou forms the backdrop for the first leg of a mouth-watering Europa League knockout playoffs between Barcelona and Manchester United.

Barcelona switched to the Europa League knockouts from the Champions League for the second season on the bounce after finishing third in Group C behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. However, Xavi Hernandez’s men have been unfazed by another underwhelming Champions League campaign, going unbeaten in 16 consecutive matches across all competitions since (W15, D1) that landed them the Supercopa de Espana crown and a massive 11-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga. Except for a 2-0 Champions League loss to Bayern Munich in October, the ‘Blaugrana’ have gone unbeaten in their remaining 13 competitive home outings this season (W10, D3). That’s inspiring because they’ll have to defy a dismal 11-game home form in European competitions (W2, D4, L5) if they’re to go past this round.

On the other hand, Manchester United finished runners-up to Real Sociedad in Europa League Group E on a goal difference alone despite winning five straight group matches after a 1-0 home loss to the Basque side on day one. The ‘Red Devils’ are on the cusp of a historic achievement as they could win six European fixtures on the trot for the first time since 1965/66. That could be easier said than done, with United losing four successive UEFA H2Hs against Barcelona and witnessing their last five European campaigns curtailed by Spanish sides. But Erik ten Hag’s men have been on a tear since the season resumed after the World Cup, racking up 12 wins from 15 matches (D2, L1) to solidify their position in the Premier League top-four race and reach the League Cup final.