United disappoints Barcelona once again in Europe
Efe
Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona coach, spoke this Thursday with a tone of measured optimism. Despite their latest European exit after a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, he argued that the team is clearly ahead of last season in overall trajectory and development. The match underscored a setback, but he stressed that progress is real, visible in every training session and in the way the squad adapts to tougher opposition. The afternoon at Manchester United served as a harsh reminder that growth often travels on a steep curve, yet there were signs of collective improvement that could build confidence for the season ahead.
In the 2021/22 campaign, Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage after competing against Bayern Munich, Benfica and Dynamo Kiev. They recovered by defeating Napoli and Galatasaray in the Europa League, only to bow out in the quarterfinals to Eintracht Frankfurt. The experience highlighted both the competitive gaps and the potential of a squad that was in transition, hinting at a longer arc of development that would be pursued in the seasons that followed.
Now, the season in Europe appeared to be trending toward a brighter path for Xavi after slipping from the Champions League group stage — where Bayern faced Inter and Viktoria Plzen — and exiting in the round of 32 of the Europa League. The coach framed the campaign as a step forward, pointing to a different competitive rhythm and a sharper sense of identity on the field. The differences from the previous year were clear, with a higher tempo, more pressing intensity, and a team that looked ready to challenge stronger opponents with a more cohesive unit.
“The feeling is that we are much better than last season. We faced strong teams such as Bayern, Inter and Manchester United. We did not produce the level we wanted against those sides. Next year we will be more competitive, more self-critical, and we will concentrate on the league and the cup, which are very important now.”
The moment that defined the match came when Brazilian Fred opened the scoring. The pivotal play occurred after a ball split in midfield, tipping the balance in Manchester United’s favor as the second half unfolded. That goal hurt them, and the ensuing stretch proved costly. The second half demanded greater intensity, and while Barcelona pressed and fought hard, the moment of opportunity slipped away. The first half had been promising, with a disciplined approach and a display of character that suggested a different outcome might have been possible with a bit more fortune and sharper execution in the final third.
“Physically, the home side are very strong. When Shaw wins the duel, rebounds fall to Antony, and the same sequence repeats for the second goal. That strike was a blow that left us frustrated. If not for an early concession, we might have controlled more of the game. Still, we showed resilience and heart, and we deserved a little more,” he said, acknowledging the margin of error that teams at this level rarely allow themselves.
For Xavi, the only positive aspect of the defeat is that the team has another league game on Sunday, a chance to turn the page with a victory and regain momentum. “We have to focus on Almería and the cup semifinals, which remain very important competitions for us.”