Erik ten Hag stated after watching his club compete in an exciting first-leg draw against Barcelona that Manchester United “had a lot of heart and drive” and that their Europa League play-off match was in the balance.
After competing in two Champions League finals, both of which Barcelona won, Manchester United and FC Barcelona are now attempting to reclaim their glory through the Europa League years.
On Thursday night’s Europa League match at the Nou Camp, United came from behind to almost take all three points.
Marcos Alonso’s back post header gave coach Xavi’s team the lead after Raphinha’s corner kick. However, Manchester United’s in-form Marcus Rashford quickly equalized at the near post.
Rashford’s cross was deflected into the net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the 59th minute, giving the Premier League side the lead. From there, it appeared that United would cruise to an away victory.
However, in the 76th minute, former Leeds winger Raphinha stunned United with a stunning shot that United couldn’t stop. Casemiro was inches away from clearing the ball off the goal line, but his effort was in vain. As a result, the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Coach Ten Hag described the Europa League match between the two European giants as a Champions League game after the game.
I think it was a great game. Two attacking teams, I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I enjoyed the game. In the end (it finished) 2-2, and we have to finish it in Old Trafford”, he told BT Sport.
Of course, I will credit Rashford definitely because he is in great form, but the whole team did well. I think it was a really good team performance.
We have a lot of character and determination in this team. The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal is so important and that’s what we didn’t do.
On Thursday, February 23, Manchester United will host FC Barcelona at Old Trafford for the return leg of the Europa League playoff. The winner of the match will scale through to the next round of the competition.
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