The much-anticipated tie between Manchester United and Barcelona did not disappoint as both sides played out a 2-2 draw in an enthralling encounter in the Europa League playoff round at the Camp Nou.
The highly-anticipated tie did not disappoint, with the two tacticians on the sidelines – Erik Ten Hag and Xavi Hernandez – devising various combinations that could lead to victory.
Although the first half ended goalless, it was not bereft of action, with both sides coming close to opening the scoring on many occasions.
Robert Lewandowski had his effort saved by David Degea, while Wout Weghorst should have put United ahead just before the half-hour mark, but his one-on-one effort was saved by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in goal for the Catalans.
The German shotstopper was on hand to make another brilliant save as he denied Marcus Rashford, whose shot was aiming for the far post.
Barcelona finally broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, from the unlikeliest of goalscorers. Former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso squeezed his header into the back post off a corner kick from Raphinha.
However, the lead did not last for long as Rashford continued his excellent scoring form with a brilliant strike past Ter Stegen for his 22nd goal of the season. The English forward was also instrumental in completing United’s comeback as his drive and cross into the box resulted in an own goal from Jules Kounde.
The Red Devils came close to extending their lead, but efforts from Fred and Aaron Wan Bissaka were slightly off the mark.
The home side eventually levelled proceedings in the 76th minute through Raphinha. The Brazilian’s cross-cum-shot found the bottom left corner of Degea’s goal.
The both teams kept pushing for the winner, but the result meant both sides had to share the spoils, with Ten Hag’s side set to welcome the Culers to Old Trafford in a week’s time.
