Xavi: United one of Europe's best teams

The Europa League play-off first leg was a cracker, setting things up nicely for the return fixture at Old Trafford next Thursday.

The performance of both sides was certainly Champions League knockout-stage level and it left the crowd of more than 90,000 wanting more at the final whistle.

"United are one of the best teams in Europe," Xavi said at his press conference. "As a block, as a team, they work together. They are properly coached by a good coach and we competed against them, with a great attitude at the same intensity, equalling [them] in many ways.

"I like the rush in the end because, in the past, we would go down mentally when behind. The stakes will be high at Old Trafford but I'm proud we gave our all today.

"They are amazing in transition so we wanted to avoid transitions by putting pressure on. We made it sometimes but they are good players - Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes is very good with long-distance passes. I think they are high-level players and we have played against a major team.

"Just respect to him [Erik ten Hag] but we also generated many opportunities. They have to believe this as it was a very well matched game, a very equal game. I have a bittersweet feeling as we could have won against this great team and scored many goals as well."

In terms of the second leg, Xavi appreciates it will be just as tough for his team, and the Catalan club are without Pedri (injury) and Gavi (suspension) for the much-anticipated encounter.

"Well, on paper, this is going to be a very intense game at Old Trafford," he added. "Even more intense. We go to Old Trafford to compete again and will see what happens. It was a tight game against a tough rival, one of the best in Europe. So I'm currently proud of my team, in spite of the draw.

"We were looking to surprise them [with the line-up], not to respond to Manchester United's approach. They have a powerful armoury and a great team with high-level players and an amazing coach."