The most highly anticipated matchup of the Europa League playoff draw between Manchester United and Barcelona took the spotlight of European football and did not disappoint avid football fans. Two beautiful games of attacking football, heated exchanges, and heart-wrenching moments ended with Manchester United advancing to the Round of 16.
Pre-match situation
After a 2-2 draw in Camp Nou, Barcelona was left with mixed emotions. They were relieved because away goals would not be considered but worried because their two young stars, Pedri and Gavi, would miss the second leg due to injury and suspension.
Manchester United they are flying in the Premier League thanks to Marcus Rashford’s outrageous form. And they hope to continue their journey in the Europa League with Old Trafford as their most immense mental support.
Match Summary
First half
Being at home, Manchester United dominated the early minutes. Bruno Fernandes had a chance to open the score, but the skipper failed to beat Ter Stegen in a one-on-one. Failing to score, the Portuguese unwantedly became the headline on the other end of the pitch. An amateurish defending play pulled Alejandro Balde down to the ground, and Clement Turpin pointed to the spot without hesitation. Bit of a harsh decision by the French referee, but not entirely unjustifiable. Chance granted, and chance converted by Robert Lewandowski, who put the ball just high enough to go in despite the fingertips of David de Gea.
And if Barcelona had been more composed with their opportunities, the score wouldn’t have stopped at 1-0. But we couldn’t discredit some impressive defenses from Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Casemiro.
Second half
Barcelona looked to continue the first-half performance. Manchester United immediately changed, bringing Antony in to improve the attack. And it paid off. Bruno Fernandes placed the ball from the left flank to Fred in the middle. And the Brazillian displayed a finessed touch to pass the Barcelona defenders before smashing it in the bottom corner. Scores were then level, but the momentum shifted in favor of the English team.
And in the 73rd minute, an effort from Luke Shaw put Bruno Fernandes in position to place to ball to Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho’s shot was blocked, and Fred’s shot was also blocked. The ball rebounded towards a waiting Antony, who volleyed the ball swiftly passed Ter Stegen and made it 2-1.
The late efforts from Barcelona were all diffused by the United defenders, including a clutch goal-line clearance from Varane following Lewandowski’s shot. The match ended 2-1 and 4-3 in favor of The Reds on aggregate. They will face Real Betis in the last 16.
Erik Ten Hag and Manchester United are the real deal
With this win against La Liga’s leader, Manchester United has proven to everyone that they are capable of doing more than just this under Erik Ten Hag. They can beat anyone. Anyone!
ETH came to Old Trafford to take on a dismantled United side. He brought fire into the team and let out all the distractions, even if it was a club legend. He changed this team for the better. The center-back duos are rock-solid, and Luke Shaw finds his way again. Casemiro looks like the best CDM in the world, and Bruno Fernandes keeps performing. But the most notable change of all is in Marcus Rashford. After the World Cup, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that he has been one of the best players in the world right now. Class performance after class performance, win after win.
Manchester United now sits third on the table, with only a few points behind the leaders. If this form continues, they have a legitimate chance to overtake either Manchester City or Arsenal for the contention of the Premier League. That’s not all; they can lift their first trophy in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle next week.
Facing Real Betis in the Round of 16 seems like an easier pie for Man United. The die-hard fans will hope to rejoice with another Europa League title, singing Glory Glory Man United. Because with Ten Hag at the wheel, the glory days are back at Old Trafford.
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