Barca Coach Xavi Names Man Utd Star As Hardest Player To Stop 

Xavi chose three players, including Marcus Rashford, who Barcelona has had the greatest difficulty defending.

The legendary manager of Barcelona assumed control of the team in 2021, and in his first full season there, in 2023–2024, he led them to the La Liga championship and the Supercopa de Espana trophy. After nearly two years in charge of the Catalan giants, Xavi named the players who, in his opinion, gave his defence the most trouble.

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The Barca manager was asked which player was the hardest to stop by Mundo Deportivo, and he responded, “(Marcus) Rashford cost us a lot. Additionally, (Karim) Benzema and Vinicius (Jr.

Rashford scored in the first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League knockout round play-off match against Barcelona last year at Camp Nou. After eventually holding the home team to a 2-2 tie, United defeated them 2-1 at Old Trafford to advance. Benzema scored five goals against Barcelona in his final season at Real Madrid, including a hat-trick in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg. In the previous campaign, Vinicius only once scored against Xavi’s team.

Wednesday’s Champions League matchup will feature Porto against Barcelona.