At Old Trafford, Manchester United overcame a deficit to defeat Barcelona 2-1 on the night and 4-3 overall to win their Europa League play-off.
Erik ten Hag’s team had some work to do after Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty, but his halftime substitution, which included goals from substitute Antony and Fred in the second half, allowed United to advance past Xavi’s Barca and into the round of 16.
It was a comeback that didn’t seem likely at the half that turned it into a memorable night for Antony and Ten Hag’s developing team.
They remain in search of victory in four different competitions as they head into Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
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The 2-2 draw at Camp Nou a week ago flowed and ebbed, exposing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. However, there was a contrast this time for 45 minutes. Ter Stegen seemed unperturbed. Barcelona almost scored again thanks to De Gea’s free kick.
The United manager accomplished this by removing the ineffective Wout Weghorst and switching up his forward line with the addition of Antony. Fernandes squared for Fred, and the Brazilian fired with his weaker right foot beyond Ter Stegen for an instant reward.
Jules Kounde still required a magnificent save from De Gea to keep the tie alive, but United had the momentum and quickly took the lead. Luke Shaw and Fernandes’ effective cornerwork eventually resulted in Antony’s cool-headed angle finish.
Old Trafford erupted in celebration as the team they had been waiting for finally arrived. Even with Rashford being removed from the game, Barca manager Xavi tried to break the tie from the sidelines but was unable to duplicate Ten Hag’s trick. The Dutchman is still working to revive this illustrious club.
Check out all the 16 qualified teams ahead of the Friday Europa League round 16 draw which will be held at 11am.
Seeded teams (Qualified teams as group winners)
- Union Saint-Gilloise
- Arsenal
- SC Freiburg
- Ferencvaros
- Feyenoord
- Real Betis
- Real Sociedad
- Fenerbahce
Unseeded teams (Europa League play-off winners)
- Manchester United
- Juventus
- Sporting Lisbon
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Union Berlin
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Sevilla
- Roma
