FC Barcelona and Manchester United drew 2-2 in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League at Camp Nou on Thursday evening, February 16, 2023.
These two teams have met twice in the finals of the UEFA Champions League, both of which were lost to FC Barcelona, who are looking for a way to regain glory in Europe.
The first 45 minutes were marked by a back and forth between the two sides, but it was Manchester United who had the upper hand thanks to great efforts from Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford through André Ter Stegen’s free kicks.
Coach Xavi’s team opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a goal scored by Marcos Alonso with a header from a corner kick by Raphinha.
However, the joy of the 90,000-strong crowd at Camp Nou was short-lived as Manchester United responded two minutes later with a goal from Marcus Rashford sent in by Fred.
Manchester United continued to press forward, getting a second goal in the 59th minute when Rashford turned the ball into the penalty area, which Jules Koundé took to his own goal.
Various mistakes in the defense of this British team resulted in FC Barcelona’s second goal scored by Raphinha who was sent the ball by Jules Koundé in the 76th minute.
Barca could have secured the win in the last minute but the ball was mishandled by Casemiro and hit the crossbar.
The team that will continue between the two, will be announced next Thursday after the play-off at Old Trafford.
In other early matches on Thursday, Ajax drew with Union Berlin 0-0, RB Salzburg with AS Roma 1-0 and Shakhtar Donetsk with Rennes 2-1.
