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Will Barcelona crash out of Europa League vs Man United?

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Manchester United and Barcelona will clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night to determine who will progress from their Europa League knockout round playoff tie.

The two continental giants – who competed in the Champions League final only 12 years ago – played out a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou last week

Away goals no longer apply, so the 2-2 draw in Spain last week means it is winner-takes-all  match.

Manchester United and Barcelona have had two vastly different campaigns thus far this season.

The Red Devils began the 2022/23 season in disastrous fashion, losing back-to-back games. But they have steadily improved and are the potential dark horses in the Premier League title race.

Erik ten Hag’s men are also in the Carabao Cup final where they will play Newcastle United.

As for the Europa League campaign, Manchester United participated in the group stage before finishing runner-up behind Real Sociedad in Group E.

On the other hand, Barcelona reached this stage after finishing third in the Champions League Group C.

Head to head record

Manchester United have only lost two of their last 11 European games at Old Trafford (W6 D3).

Both defeats came against Spanish teams: 0-1 versus Atlético Madrid in March 2022 and 0-1 against Real Sociedad in September 2022.

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last three matches against United (W2 D1 L0) and they’ve outscored the English side 6-2 during this unbeaten streak.

The Red Devils are looking for their first win in fixtures between these two sides since April 2019.

Barcelona have faced Manchester United away from home in European competition on five previous occasions.

After failing to win any of the first four (D2 L2), they won 1-0 on their most recent such trip in April 2019 (UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg).

In the second leg, they destroyed United at Camp Nou with a brace from Messi.

Barcelona have won each of their last 11 away games in all competitions, although they lost to elite teams like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena and San Siro this season.

The Catalan club failed to reach the Champions League Round of 16 for the second successive season but they have been brilliant in domestic football, winning the Spanish Super Cup while rising to the top of La Liga.

Team News

Barcelona are missing most of their midfield with Pedri injured and Gavi suspended.

Sergio Busquets is just returning from am ankle injury suffered a couple of weeks ago and might not be available for 90 minutes.

The veteran Spaniard could therefore link up with Frenkie de Jong and Franck Kessie in the midfield trident.

Gavi’s absence opens the door for Ansu Fati to start on the left, in spite of Ferran Torres’s electric display against Cadiz.

Ousmane Dembele is back in training but might not make it back in time to feature either.

Meanwhile, Casemiro’s suspension in the Premier League means he got a rest at the weekend against Leicester City but is back to play a team he played against 13 times with Real Madrid.

United will be without Antony, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek, Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial.

However, duo of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are back from continental bans served in the first leg

Possible starting XI

Manchester United:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Sabitzer; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Alonso, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Kessie; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati

Prediction:

It will be a tough contest. However there are three factors that will help Manchester United sail through.

The absence of Pedri will hurt Barcelona’s ability to create chances and allow Man United to dominate the midfield.

Secondly, Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life and will be hard to contain.

Thirdly, United have an exceptional home record this season and with the crowd rooting for them, they are clear favourites to go through.

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FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

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FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

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FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

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FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

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FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

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Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.

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