'United are at a good level but not Barcelona's'- Former Barcelona player reveals why the Catalans will reach Champions League semifinals
What's the story?
Former Barcelona player Gerard Deulofeu is confident that Barcelona will reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League and has claimed that Manchester United are not at their level.
In case you didn't know...
Gerard Deulofeu came through the ranks of La Masia but the 25-year-old Spaniard is now featuring for Watford. Despite the fact that he was touted to be a player of huge potential, Deulofeu failed to get the chance and impress the Blaugrana hierarchy.
After a few loan moves away, Deulofeu is now playing for Watford and inspired a comeback in the FA Cup semi finals against Wolves. From two goals down, Deulofeu netted two goals to ultimately help his team reach the finals of the competition, where they will face Manchester City.
Deulofeu is slowly settling down at Watford and has racked up 9 goals and 5 assists in all competitions for them this season.
Meanwhile, the Catalan giants are top of the La Liga table with an 11-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid and are in the final of the Copa Del Rey. Barcelona, led by Lionel Messi is also in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League where they take on Manchester United.
The heart of the matter
The former Barcelona star revealed that the Red Devils are still not at the level of Barcelona despite their good work.
In an interview with Marca, Deulofeu said:
"There's been a big change [at United], We noticed it in the first matches with [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer and especially in the second leg [of the last 16 in the Champions League] against [Paris Saint-Germain]."
"They've improved, but Barcelona are favourites. If they play well, they could win the tie. All you need to do is watch them,"
"They are very good, in good form, and they have the best [individuals] who can fix any situation, like the other day [against Atletico Madrid]. United are at a good level, but not Barcelona's."
What's next?
Manchester United will host Barcelona at Old Trafford in Wednesday night in the first leg of the Quarter Finals.