Manchester United advanced to the UEFA Europa League last 16 after coming from behind to defeat FC Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 2-1 FC Barcelona (United won 4-3 on aggregate)
Date: 23 February 2023
Venue: Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag recalled Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka after the win over Leicester City, while Sergio Busquets, who missed the first leg, replaced the suspended Gavi for Barcelona.
The hosts should have went ahead on three minutes when Bruno Fernandes was slipped through on goal, but the Portuguese fired straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen,
Barcelona were then awarded a penalty on 15 minutes when Fernandes was adjudged to have brought down Alejandro Balde. Robert Lewandowski stepped up managed to convert despite the best efforts of David de Gea.
United pushed for an equaliser thereafter and went close on 34 minutes through a speculative effort from Fred that sailed just over Ter Stegen's crossbar.
Ten Hag responded with a change at the start of the second half, as Wout Weghorst made way for Antony who had missed the last few games with injury.
United got back on level terms two minutes into the second half when Fernandes did well to pick out Fred, who took one touch before sending a low strike beyond Ter Stegen.
The visitors went close to getting finding a second goal against the run of play, but De Gea produced a superb save to keep out Joules Kounde's header at the far post.
Ten Hag made a couple more substitutions after that as Wan-Bissaka and Sancho made way for Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho, while Xavi threw on Ferran Torres for Sergi Roberto.
United would go on to take the lead with 16 minutes to go when Antony found the back of the net with a composed finish after a scramble in the box.
With Barcelona throwing everything forward, Varane ensured United walked away with the win after popping with a vital goal-line clearance to keep out Lewandowski's strike as the Red Devils marched on to the round of 16.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
