Europa League | Barcelona failed to live up to expectations this season in the UEFA Champions League. Placing third in their group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. And being ousted from the competition’s post-round round.
However, Barcelona’s situation won’t improve in the Europa League. Because the team was demoted due to placing third. In their Champions League group.
They were placed with Manchester United in the knockout round of the playoffs. Another team that many anticipate competing in the Champions League rather than the Europa League.
If Xavi Hernandez’s team defeats the Red Devils. They will advance to the Round of 16. Where a new set of opponents will be waiting for them following the last 16 draw on February 24.
Barcelona draws in the semifinals
Manchester United and Barcelona were paired together. in the playoffs’ knockout round.
Barcelona plummeted to the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group and must advance through the elimination playoff phase to advance to the Round of 16.
Barcelona was unable to face Spanish opposition in the Round of 16 or the elimination playoff round. If they defeat Manchester United and go on. They would then play one of the other six teams that aren’t Real Sociedad and Real Betis.
Barcelona’s knockout round schedule for the Europa League
Barcelona will host the first leg of their elimination playoff match. While the second leg will be played at Old Trafford. Barcelona is an unseeded team.
The opening leg of the match will take place at Camp Nou on February 16, 2023. According to the schedule. The next week, on February 23, the second leg will take place at Old Trafford.
First Leg: February 16 at 17:45 BST (12:45 ET) Second Leg: February 23 at 15:00 ET and 20:00 BST.
UEFA’s cup competitions are having a longer break than normal between the group stages and knockout rounds because of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in November 2022.
