Xavi urges Barcelona to use the great opportunity against Man United

Despite sitting at top of the La Liga table 11 points clear of their arch-rivals Real Madrid, the Blaugrana suffered an early exit from the Champions League in the group stage. Enjoying a run of 11 consecutive victories,

faces a Man United side that only lost one of their past 15 matches and is enjoying a revival under Erik ten Hag.

told his press conference:

"Tomorrow is a great match. It's a spectacular tie. Both teams arrived at the best moment of the season. Ten Hag has changed the face of the team. It's been hard for them, but they're doing a great job.

"I expect a game with a lot of intensity and rhythm. It's Europe and we want to show that we can compete against a top-level European rival."

Analyzing their opponents, Xavi doesn't see Barcelona as the favorites to proceed to the next level. He added:

"A lot will be decided at Old Trafford. I see two very close matches. The pity is that we won't play the second leg at home.

"I don't think we are favourites. There are very good teams in this competition, it's a very tough competition."

"United is a great club. They are not in the best moment in their history, but there are players who are in a great moment. In recent weeks they have been good and it will be very hard to win the game.

"We want to show that we are at a high level and that we all work hard and are aggressive. Tomorrow is an important test to compete in Europe."

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