Barcelona and Manchester United played a hugely entertaining game in Spain in the Europa League on Thursday. Both teams entered the night as two of the most in-form clubs in Europe. In fact, Barca and United had only one defeat in their last 17 games in total. The Spanish team last lost in a Champions League match with Bayern Munich on October 26. United, on the other hand, have only suffered one defeat since the beginning of November.
The hosts kept possession quite well throughout the first half of the match. However, the visitors certainly had the best chances to score as the first 45 minutes wore on. Wout Weghorst was found free in the 27th minute and should have put his team ahead. The Dutchman, however, aimed directly at Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Casemiro and Marcus Rashford also saw shots well saved by the Barça goalkeeper minutes later.
The second half starts with a bang
Barça would earn their breakthrough with a goal from Marcos Alonso in the 50th minute. The goal, which came from a simple moving-inside corner, was the defender’s second goal in as many European games for Barça. Much of the pre-game discussion was the fact that Alonso was even included in the team’s starting XI. Head coach Xavi’s decision certainly seemed to pay off.
Rashford, however, leveled the score just two minutes later. The flaming England international netted a perfectly placed shot past ter Stegen from a rather difficult angle. However, the German goalkeeper may be a bit disappointed with his effort, as he was beaten at his near post, just like De Gea minutes earlier. However, Rashford’s men this season brought the visitors back into the game.
United would quickly take the lead with their second goal in seven minutes. Rashford was once again pulling the strings for the visitors. The striker sent a low cross into the Barça box, which Casemiro finished off and hit Jules Koundé on his way to the back of the net. The defender didn’t know much about the subject and was unlucky enough to score an own goal.
Barcelona steals United’s tie in the Europa League
However, the hosts fought back to tie the game at two. Raphinha sent a wonderfully whipped ball into the United box on 76 minutes. Although it certainly looked to be a pass from centre-forward Robert Lewandowski, the ball went through the defense and into the net. It was the Brazilian’s fifth goal in his last 11 total appearances.
Barca had some glorious late chances to clinch victory that night, but the game would end tied at 2-2. Neutral fans will expect a similar matchup for the second leg of the knockout matchup. The next United will receive Barça on February 23.
PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images
