‘The match of truth!’: Spanish sports papers ramp up the excitement ahead of ‘titanic’ second leg between Man United and Barcelona… with Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski tipped to decide delicately-poised Europa League tie
After last week’s thrilling first leg, Manchester United and Barcelona meet again at Old Trafford with everything to play for in their Europa League play-off.
The tie is nicely poised at 2-2 following a barnstorming game in the Nou Camp in which both teams had more than enough chances to win.
Unsurprisingly, the Spanish sports dailies are ramping up the anticipation ahead of Thursday night’s second leg, describing the game as ‘titanic’ and ‘a moment of truth’ for Barcelona.
Mundo Deportivo depict United’s in-form striker Marcus Rashford and Barca’s leading scorer Robert Lewandowski, as well as an oversized corner flag.
‘Titanic’ is how they describe the contest, saying Barca are ready to ‘assault the legendary Old Trafford to stay alive in the Europa League.’
‘Titanic’ is how Mundo Deportivo bill Thursday night’s second leg between Manchester United and Barcelona, with the Europa League play-off tie nicely poised at 2-2
‘The match of truth’ says Sport as Barcelona attempt to restore some prestige in Europe
Mundo point out that the Spanish league leaders will be without Pedri, Gavi and Ousmane Dembele through injuries and suspensions for a defining match in their season.
Coach Xavi is quoted predicting ‘the first few minutes will be key’ as he gave away no clues as to his team selection for the blockbuster clash.
‘The match of truth’ is how Diario Sport bill the game on Thursday’s front cover, showing Barcelona players – with United transfer target Frenkie de Jong prominent – celebrating in front of the backdrop of Old Trafford.
It certainly will be a defining match in their season – comfortably eight points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of the league, Barca remain scarred by their meek Champions League exit earlier in the season and want to atone in the Europa League.
Sport says that Barca ‘wish to restore prestige in Europe’ in what has been ‘a very open tie’.
They also quote Xavi on the eve of the game saying: ‘This is a big opportunity for us to show we can compete against a major international rival.’
Lionel Messi is also mentioned amid never-ending rumours he may return to the Nou Camp from Paris Saint-Germain.
Asked about that possibility, Xavi said on Wednesday: ‘I’ve said it more than once, the doors are always open for him. He is a friend, and we are in permanent contact.
Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski feature prominently on the front pages
Rashford celebrates after an own goal by Jules Kounde put United 2-1 ahead in the Nou Camp
But Raphinha scored to level up the tie and leave the outcome in the balance
Football fans everywhere will be hoping Erik ten Hag and Xavi’s teams serve up another classic
‘It will depend on what he wants to do, and also on what fits the club. He’s the best player in history, he’d always fit in.’
The key protagonists of Rashford and Lewandowski also grace the front cover of the Catalan-language L’Esportiu.
‘Powerful finish’ is their headline as they predict the second leg will come down to a shootout between the two strikers at Old Trafford.
But they acknowledge it will be a real test for a Barcelona team shorn of two key midfielders in Pedri and Gavi.
