In a duel between two period scorersRobert Lewandowski for the Catalans and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Red Devils, the Spanish team will host the English on February 16 and will play the second leg in Manchester a week later.
A new European elimination, as happened last year when they fell in both competitions, would be a huge blow for Xavi and Barcelona, unable to beat Bayern Munich and Inter in four group stage games.
Once again we have had the most difficult rival, we must compete
Xavi Hernandez
“Once again we have had the most difficult rival, we must compete. He is a historical adversary, which has progressed more with Ten Hag, with great players. It’s difficult, but the players will be more motivated,” said Barça coach Xavi Hernández.
Winner of the last edition of the Europa Conference League, Roma will play against Salzburg, while Juventus will face Nantes.
Sevilla, ‘descended’ from the Champions League and a great specialist in the Europa League, will play against PSV Eindhoven, while Shakhtar Donetsk, in a convulsive situation due to the war, will clash with Rennes.
Also, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen will face Monaco in a duel with no clear prognosis.
The winning teams of the eight ties will advance to the round of 16, along with the winners of the Europa League groups, who will access this phase directly.