Manchester United did the unthinkable. The Red Devils have knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League. After the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, the Premier League club came from behind to score two goals to take the side to the next round of the Europa League.
Both sides played aggressively in the early minutes of play to get one in the opposition’s net. And maybe this approach cost them a penalty in the 18th minute after Bruno Fernandes performed a rash challenge on Alejandro Balde. Robert Lewandowski, who was as cool as a cucumber, converted the penalty into a goal and gave the Blaugrana the lead.
But Fred equalized early in the second half before substitute Antony completed the turnaround for Manchester United 17 minutes from full time.
Erik Ten Hag called this one of the best wins of his managerial career. In a post-match interview, he said, “It was a magnificent night. I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona – eight points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga – and we have seen this week Real Madrid playing [in their 5-2 win [over Liverpool]. We did a magnificent performance.”
The victory marks Manchester United’s first win over Barcelona since the narrow 1-0 win in the Champions League semi-final second leg in April 2008.
