The Laliga giants Barcelona will face Manchester United in the play-off round of Europa League 2022/23.
During a press conference, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez heaped praise on Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He seems to me to be a great player, who has marked an era in world football and can still make a difference,” Xavi said.
“Ronaldo is one of the best stars in the village. contemporary football. Even though he is no longer at his best age, Ronaldo is still capable of making a difference.” Xavi added.
The Red Devils have been impressive under Eeik ten Hag since the former Ajax Amsterdam manager took charge, with the English Premier League giants, despite failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Moreover, Xavi believs United has made progress since the Dutchman took charge in the summer.
“It’s the most difficult opponent once again. We are looking forward to it. They are a historic side.” Xavi said.
“Manchester United have grown a lot since Ten Hag’s arrival, and have great players. It’s the worst draw we could have gotten.”
“The draw has given us the most difficult rival again, like in the Champions League group stage. Luck was not on our side. Manchester United are a great rival, a historic club. The worst that we could wish for.” he added.
Barcelona were demoted from the Champions League after finishing third in a group which contained fellow giants Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
The Catalan club met United twice in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals, winning on both occasions, while United lost both legs of the 2018-19 European Cup quarter-final meeting between the pair.
The first legs of the match will take place on Feb. 16, with the return match a week later on Feb. 23.
