Barcelona have it all on the line against Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• 7 Nov 2022 06:45 CST
• 4 min read

Barcelona might have been making light of the prospect of dropping into the Europa League, but the reality of the size of their task has been made apparent with a draw against Manchester United in the play-off round.

While the match might be something of an inconvenience for Man Utd, it is critical to Barca, whose finances have had a huge hole blown in them following their Champions League exit.

Having budgeted to reach the quarter-finals of that competition, falling into the secondary tournament is a destructive blow to a side that spent much of the summer looking for innovative ways to raise money and, at the same time, improve their squad.

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Local media have stated in Spain that much of the damage could be undone with a successful tilt that the Europa League, but that now promises to be an uphill challenge after being drawn against the improving Premier League side.

“It is the most difficult opponent once again. But we will look forward to it. They are a historic side, they have grown a lot with the arrival of Erik ten Hag, they have great players. It's the worst draw we could have got. Once again, no luck,” Xavi lamented.

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A must-win game for Barcelona

It would certainly be an exaggeration to say that the future of the club is at stake, but certainly the immediate financial wellbeing of the Camp Nou side would be badly damaged with an early exit from another European competition. Additionally, it would represent a blow to the reputation of the team. In short, the integrity of the current project is on the line.

President Joan Laporta gambled on the success of the first team on multiple fronts in the summer when he splashed big money on players such as Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. While Barcelona sit second in La Liga, there has been little other suggestion that this bet will pay off with a return of silverware.

And that is what Barcelona need. This is not a project based, presently, on a sound financial footing. The aim is to build the team and for the money to come later, in terms of sponsorship, TV revenue and prize money.

Indeed, such is the manner that Laporta is trying to reconstruct the club, the Manchester United draw may prompt Barca to move in the January transfer window. It was suggested that Gerard Pique’s retirement could be a catalyst for such a move, but this blockbuster tie could have a role to play too.

There is so much more for Barcelona riding on this Man Utd tie than simply a place in the last 16, their reputation and immediate financial stability are on the line, too. It is one that Xavi must find a way to win.