Manchester United progressed through to the Europa League last 16 after beating Barcelona.
Last Thursday Night, Manchester United came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate to win their Europa League play-off at Old Trafford.
The 2-2 draw at Camp Nou one week ago had reduced and it had washed, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams on show. But there was a contrast for 45 minutes this time.
With Goals from Fred and Anthony in the second half saw the team progressing
Manchester United beat Barcelona for the first time since April 2008, ending their five-game winless run against the Spanish side.
Although Robert Lewandowski’s early penalty created an initial disadvantage for Erik ten Hag’s team, a half-time substitution by ten Hag proved pivotal in the game. In the second half, goals from Fred and substitute Antony enabled United to secure a victory over Xavi’s Barca and advance to the round of 16.
For Barcelona, it was the first time they have been eliminated from European competition without reaching the last 16 since 1998-1999, which is not quite what president Joan Laporta had in mind when he pulled all those economic levers last year.
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What’s Next?
Manchester United now switch their attentions to Wembley, where they take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday
Barcelona return to LaLiga action on Sunday at Almeria