Barcelona 2 Manchester United 2
Alonso (50) Raphinha (76) – Rashford (52) Kounde (59 og)
[Highlights – Post-Match Reaction]
In a thrilling first-leg game, Manchester United were unlucky not to come away from the Nou Camp with a win but will feel confident of going through at Old Trafford next Thursday. Rashford looked like a world-beater scoring one and setting up the other, and was taken down by Kounde for what could’ve been his third and a sending-off for the defender.
United could’ve scored three in the first half. Weghorst and Sancho should’ve scored and Rashford brought a great save from the keeper. Barcelona edged the possession but United looked more dangerous. They started adventurously, pressing high and enthusiastically, giving Barca little time to settle.
Barca opened the scoring in the second half with a headed goal from a corner. Questions will be asked about the marking and how Alonso had such an easy header. Fred, in particular, could’ve hung his head in shame. He didn’t though. Instead, he went on the attack and it was his ball that found Rashford in the box to finish low down, beating the keeper at his near post. United, their heads up now, pressed forward and from a short corner in the 59th minute, Rashford drove into the box and then crossed low and hard. Fernandes stuck out a foot, and it deflected to the far post and in off Kounde. Manchester United were now in control and looking for more.
Minutes later, they should’ve got it. Fernandes hit a long ball for Rashford who was blatantly taken down, just outside the box, with only the keeper to beat. It should’ve been a freekick and a red card but the only one booked was Erik ten Hag.
That decision seemed to give Barca a boost and with fourteen minutes remaining, Raphina curled a shot from outside the box that Lewandowski dummied on its way into the goal.
United will be disappointed with the result but happy with the performance.
Highlights:
Alternative MUFC commentary (probably not safe for work:)