Barcelona boss Xavi has said that his side will have to be at their best in order to overcome Manchester United and progress to the knockout round of the Europa League.
The two giants of European football are preparing to lock horns in a two-legged playoff affair, with the first match set to take place at Camp Nou on Thursday before the return fixture at Old Trafford next week.
Xavi is expecting "very even matches" against Man United "with a very close result".
"It will be a great match. The two are in their best form of the season. I think [Erik] ten Hag changed the form of the team and is doing an outstanding job," the Barcelona boss told reporters during his press conference.
"You can see in the last matches how Manchester United were very strong, and have improved a lot.
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"A lot of things can complicate a match. 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 competitor.
"The clash will be decided at Old Trafford. I imagine very even matches, with a very close result. A few things will be decided tomorrow and we will have the second leg, which unfortunately we will not play at home.
"For me, Ten Hag is a great coach and it was not easy to reverse United's situation and I think he's succeeding. They have made a lot of changes in attack, they have modified the idea of the game. Most of the team attacks. He's an offensive coach."
Xavi also praised Marcus Rashford, with the forward scoring 21 times for the Red Devils this season, while responding to claims that Ronald Araujo could be used to mark the England international.
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"I don't like to talk about these things. There are several players, not just Rashford. They are distinguished in transitions and counter-attacks, and we have to stop them," he added.
"Araujo is a leader, regardless of his physical, technical, and tactical conditions. He prints his personality on the defensive line with leadership, and he has all the capabilities to make a mark at the club.
"Rashford is one of the most dangerous attackers in Europe right now. We have to pay close attention to the whole team, but especially Rashford."
Barcelona have won each of their last 11 matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday night, which stretched their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.
Matt Law
