Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appeared to make a cheeky, subtle dig at Liverpool after the two clubs had contrasting results in Europe this week.
The Reds progressed to the Europa League last-16 with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona, with Ten Hag's men defeating the Catalan giants 2-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night, having drawn with the Spanish outfit at Camp Nou last week.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were dismantled by Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Jurgen Klopp's side raced into a 2-0 lead at Anfield, but Carlo Ancelotti's men went on to score five times to take a commanding lead in the Round of 16 tie.
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United defeated the Merseyside outfit in the Premier League earlier in the season, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford on target in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in August.
After the Reds' win over Barcelona on Thursday night, Ten Hag was asked if it was his biggest win since becoming United manager in the summer. The Dutchman suggested that it ranked highly - making sure to reference the lead Xavi's side have over Madrid in La Liga as he subtly hinted that United had faced tougher opposition in their European tie than Liverpool did midweek.
"Oh yes, I think so, yes," Ten Hag replied. "We’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal at home, really good wins but I think this over two legs, one tie, Barcelona, Barcelona is the leader of La Liga - eight points ahead of Real Madrid, we have all seen Real Madrid win this week - if we beat them it is a big win, yes."
Barcelona currently have an eight-point lead over Madrid in the La Liga table, with the Catalan giants having won three more matches than their great rivals this season. Despite this, Ancelotti's side were impressive against Liverpool in midweek and were worthy winners at Anfield.
The Merseyside club face an uphill battle in order to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, given that they will have to win by four goals or move at the Santiago Bernabeu next month to progress.
United, meanwhile, are the only side in England still competing on all four fronts and will face Spanish side Real Betis in their Europa League Round of 16 tie.
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