"We have eliminated a team that is eight points clear of Madrid"

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said on Thursday after eliminating Barcelona in the Europa League that they beat a team that is "eight points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga".
"It's a magnificent night. We've knocked out the La Liga leaders, a team ahead of Real Madrid, who we've seen how they've played against Liverpool. It gives us a lot more confidence," said the Dutch coach at a press conference.
"When you are eight points clear of Real Madrid, when you beat them 3-1 in the Super Cup and you see Real's performance against Liverpool.... That means you have beaten a great team. That means we have the potential to beat the best. You need results to really believe in it. When you can beat Barcelona, one of the best in the world, your faith increases, you believe you can beat anyone," Ten Hag added.
Ten Hag, who changed the game with his substitutions, said he stressed in the half-time talk that they had to "believe". "I saw that we could press more, be more courageous," said the United boss, who also praised Antony and Fred, who scored the goals.
"Antony is brave, he is not afraid, what he has brought is what we needed. With his dribbling, with his goal, of course. He's a player who goes for it, who helps this team a lot".
"Fred had to stop Frenkie de Jong. He had to be like a gnat around him, follow him everywhere and he did it perfectly. The other day he gave a great assist and today he scored. It was a brilliant performance.