Barcelona manager Xavi is hopeful the Catalan outfit can compete better in Europe next season, sending a clear message following their exit from Europa League.
Manchester United defeated Xavi and co. in the Europa League in the knockout play-off, producing a statement win against the La Liga table toppers.
Manchester United defeated Xavi’s Barcelona 4-3 across two legs in the Europa League knockout play-off to knock the Catalan outfit out of the competition. The Red Devils also secured their progression to the Europa League round of 16 with the victory.
Barcelona and Manchester United had played out a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the first leg. However, Manchester United emerged on top at Old Trafford in the second leg, inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Barcelona.
“Hopefully next season we can compete better’ – Xavi sends a message after Barcelona’s Europa League elimination
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Speaking after Barcelona’s elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Manchester United, Xavi sent a message that he is hopeful they can compete better in Europe next season.
“Hopefully next season we can compete better, but think we competed well. But in the end, we lost,” Xavi said after the Europa League exit of Barcelona [via Barca Universal]. “My feeling is that the situation is different from last season when it was impossible to compete. This season is different.”
Xavi also lamented the absence of Gavi and Pedri for their second-leg clash with Manchester United. Gavi was suspended for the fixture after accumulating three yellow cards in European competitions this season. Pedri, meanwhile, missed the second leg after picking up an injury in the first leg.
“We have to recognise the absence of Gavi and Pedri, they are two important players for us, and the impact of their absence has been felt,” Xavi said.
Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, it was Barcelona who scored the first goal of the match. Robert Lewandowski gave them the lead in the 18th minute of the match as the Polish striker converted a penalty.
However, Manchester United equalized through Fred in the 47th minute before Antony sent the Red Devils 2-1 up in the 73rd minute. The Old Trafford outfit then saw off the game to seal their place in the Europa League round of 16.
