Manchester United will feel positive about the result of their Europa League Playoff fixture with Barcelona as the hosts fought back to share the spoils with the Premier League side.
Barcelona wanted to start with a clear message on their intent as Robert Lewandowski’s shot was saved by De Gea in United’s goal early on. United responded through Wout Werghost whose effort was saved by Marc Andre Ter-Stegen.
The Catalan club was clearly dominating the first 20 minutes with Pedri as the midfield mastermind. However, Pedri was substituted for Sergi Roberto after picking up an injury. Talk about intensity!
Manchester United and Barcelona played out a fantastic fixture much to the delight of football fans, a spectacle for the neutrals, intense and end-to-end.
The Barcelona goalkeeper was also keen to save Marcus Rashford’s attempt in the first half. 0-0 at the break.
According to Eurosport, United Manager Erik Ten Haag had said pre-match that he wanted to win in ‘the Manchester United way’, by playing attractive, attacking football.
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5 minutes after halftime, Barcelona took the lead through Marcos Alonso, a fine back-post header from a Raphinha corner. 3 minutes later United equalized through Marcus Rashford, Fred with the assist.
United had the momentum and quickly took the lead through a deflected short corner routine that caught Barcelona off-guard. Jules Kounde (OG) turned the ball in to give United the lead in less than 10 minutes after conceding the first.
In Europe, recently, Barcelona have crumbled under such circumstances but had a different mentality on the night against United that felt reminiscent of the Champions League glory days when both clubs reigned supreme over Europe.
With 15 minutes to go Raphinha’s cross-come-shot found the back of the net as momentum shifted to La Blaugrana. United were in trouble late in the game but De Gea’s heroics have set up a fantastic second-leg encounter next week at Old Trafford. Barcelona had a late penalty appeal waived after Fred seemingly handled the ball in the area as both teams settled for the spoils.
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