Barcelona fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in their Europa League knockout round play-off first leg at Camp Nou on Thursday, February, 16th, 2023.
Man Utd looked set to claim another famous win at the Nou Camp – the scene of their 1999 Champions League success – but Raphinha dashed those hopes when his inswinging cross found its way inside David de Gea’s far post to set up a tantalising second leg at Old Trafford next week.
It is 15 years since United last got the better of the Spanish giants, a run that has included Champions League final defeats in 2009 and 2011.
The La Liga leaders went ahead on 50 minutes when Alonso headed in, but United levelled just two minutes later when Marcus Rashford smashed in his 22nd goal of a superb campaign, matching his best scoring tally for the club.
The England forward also played a major part in the 59th-minute second goal, skipping past his marker and delivering a dangerous cross that France defender Kounde bundled into his own net.
It was the hosts who went closest to winning it late on, Casemiro hitting his own post with an attempted clearance and De Gea producing a great save to deny Ansu Fati
Manchester United now turn their attentions back to the Premier League, with Leicester visiting Old Trafford on Sunday, February, 19th, 2023
Erik ten Hag’s side then host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023
Barcelona return to La Liga action on Sunday, February, 19th, 2023 with Cadiz visiting the Nou Camp
COMMENTS