Manchester United came from a goal down to defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the second leg of UEFA Europa League knockout round playoffs at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Both sides played out a lively 2-2 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou, thanks to goals from Marcos Alonso and Raphinha for Barcelona and Marcus Rashford and a Jules Kounde own goal for the Red Devils, leaving the return leg very open.
It was the Catalan giants that drew first blood in the 18th minute after United captain Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have brought down Alejandro Balde in the penalty area. Referee Clement Turpin pointed to spot much to the displeasure of the Old Trafford faithful. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski converted the penalty with goalkeeper David De Gea getting a hand to it as it went in.
United struggled to assert themselves for much of the first half and manager Erik ten Hag made a change at the start of the second half by introducing Brazlian winger Antony, who was returning from injury, for towering forward Wout Weghorst.
The men in red started the second half on the front foot and equalised inside the first two minutes, thanks to Brazilian midfielder Fred’s 47th minute strike, drilling in a low shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Ten Hag’s men continued to pile on the pressure from that point and got the winner in the 73rd minute courtesy of another substitute Antony with his trademark left foot curler.
United held firm for the lead and had Raphael Varane to thank for making a last ditch goal line clearance in added time to ensure there was no extra time.
All the feels ❤️#UEL pic.twitter.com/25p0JGqhVZ
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 23, 2023
The men in red are now through to the Europa League Round of 16 and will wait to know their opponents in the draws scheduled for Friday.
Next up for United is the Carabao Cup final where they tackle Newcastle United at Wembley on Sunday.
