Xavi Takes Swipe at Match Officials Over Late Penalty Indecision Against Manchester United

• Xavi criticized the decision to deny Barcelona a penalty in their Europa League game against Manchester United
• A possible Fred handball in the box was waved off late in the second half as Barcelona pushed for the winner at Camp Nou
• Barcelona will travel to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off on Thursday

Barcelona manager Xavi is angered at the match officials for not awarding the Catalan giants a late penalty in their Europa League clash against Manchester United.

With the game tied at 2-2 with less than ten minutes left on the clock, Barcelona had a penalty shout after Fred appeared to have handled the ball inside the Red Devils box.

Despite extensive Barcelona protests, the referee waved the claim away, while VAR also upheld the decision which left Xavi angry at the decision from the officials, Goal reports.

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"It's a penalty like a cathedral, how are you going to feel? Already in Milan in the Champions League, they didn't give it to us, here either. I don't know what to do to get a penalty called for hands. It seems incredible to me."

Marcos Alonso and Raphinha both scored for Barcelona while Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Jules Kounde ensured the game is finely poised at 2-2 heading into Old Trafford for the return leg.

Xavi full of praise for Man United boss

Meanwhile, Xavi has hailed Erik ten Hag as he was full of praise for the impact the Dutch manager has had on Manchester United’s progress since taking charge in the summer, Manchester Evening News reports.

The Barcelona boss suggested suggesting that the Red Devils are "coming back", while also insisting that Man United made it difficult for the home side throughout the encounter.

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Manchester United will welcome Barcelona to Old Trafford for the second leg of the tie next Thursday, and the winner of the reverse clash will progress.

Xavi equals incredible Pep Guardiola record

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Pep Guardiola is referred to as one of Barcelona’s best managers in history, but Xavi is set to eclipse the Spaniard’s records with the Catalan giants this season.

La Blaugrana are now on a 16-game unbeaten run following their latest La Liga victory, as Pedri’s goal secured a slim 1-0 win against Villareal.

Xavi has now matched Guardiola's finest winning streak at Barcelona, with 11 consecutive victories in all competitions.