Pellistri hyped for Nou Camp return

Pellistri was part of the Alaves side which battled to a 1-1 draw against the Catalans in October 2021, during his spell on loan in La Liga.

In the first game after the sacking of Ronaldo Koeman, a then-struggling Barca took the lead through Memphis Depay, only for Luis Rioja to equalise just moments later for the away side, who were unfortunately relegated at the end of the season.

Now, almost 18 months on, both Barcelona and Pellistri are in vastly different places as the Uruguayan looks ahead to another trip to the stadium.

Barcelona, now under the management of legendary midfielder Xavi, are one of Europe’s form sides as they lead La Liga by 11 points, having only conceded seven goals all season.

Meanwhile Facundo is hoping to make his Europa League debut against the leaders of Spain’s top-flight on Thursday, after a number of encouraging performances following his first-team bow in January.

“We are going to play an amazing team, one of the biggest clubs in the world. We have to be ready,” an excited Pellistri told us on Monday.

“I already know the Nou Camp. It’s a giant stadium, a lovely stadium.

“We are going there to get the win and we are ready to win that battle.”

United are still fighting on all four fronts, as we sit third in the Premier League and look ahead to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.

We also have an Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie with West Ham United to negotiate but there won’t be many more glamorous games than Barcelona away between now and the end of the season, even if Erik ten Hag’s side – as Pellistri hopes – go the distance in each competition.

“We are playing for all the titles. We want to win them all and the Europa League is one of them,” the Uruguayan added.

“We are going to be ready and prepared for the match. It’s a good stadium, against a good team, so it’s going to be an incredible match.”