(Manchester United – Barcelona 2–1) A giant clash that contained the most had a perfect end for Manchester United. The billion-dollar purchase of Antony (22) ensured that it exploded at Old Trafford.
After being out injured, Manchester United’s Antony came back with a bang against Barcelona and became the match winner.
The Brazilian was thrown in from the substitutes’ bench in the second half and sent Barcelona out of the Europa League.
After just over 70 minutes, the 22-year-old sent the home fans into the air when he scored the 2-1 goal for United at Old Trafford.
It was for advancement.
– This is an evening that will be remembered at Old Trafford. This is one of those very special evenings, exclaimed Viaplay commentator Kasper Wikestad at the end of the match.
Antony remains the hero, but it is Erik ten Hag who gets much of the credit for Thursday’s victory. Especially for the changes.
19 of the team’s goals have been scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, more than any other club in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Red Devils are also the only team in the top five leagues to win the Kav Drupple. Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup (Carabao Cup).
It became dramatic at the end of the match between PSV and Sevilla. See video below.
Manchester United got a very good starting point from Spain’s east coast when they played 2-2 against Barcelona in the first match.
And after just three minutes, a United team in top form had a great opportunity to also get a dream opening at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes was played free alone against goal by Casemiro and only a very good Marc-André ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal prevented the home team from taking the lead.
A quarter of an hour later, referee Clement Turpin blew the penalty mark – to fierce protests from the United players. Barca full-back Alejandro Balde was brought down in United’s 16-yard box by the man who almost made it 1-0 to the home team.
It put Robert Lewandowski, but by no means safe. David De Gea got a full hand on the ball, but just not enough to knock it away. With good help from the post, the visitors took the lead 1-0.
There is great disagreement about whether a penalty should have been awarded at all. There are plenty of United supporters on Twitter who believe the penalty is cheap, while some believe Bruno gives the referee a good opportunity to blow the whistle.
– It looks like a penalty. It is so stupid to tear down a man inside the box in a situation where Alejandro Balde is heading away from goal, said former Manchester United goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Penalty or not – Barcelona went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
A lead that quickly came to an end as the second half got underway and United got off to a flying start.
Bruno Fernandes found Brazilian Fred who had found his way into the Barcelona box. With a perfect first touch, Fred cleared the ball and tapped in the second. 1-1 at Old Trafford.
After United’s equalizing goal, those present in the stands got real value for money, and were served a fast-paced half with good opportunities both ways, high temperature and goals.
60 minutes had been played when Frenkie De Jong was brought down by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and almost before the Dutchman landed on the grass, Bruno Fernandes hammered the ball into the stomach of Barcelona’s midfielder. Then it got hot.
Both teams’ players gathered around the Portuguese and barked together. It all resulted in a yellow card for the protagonist himself, but also for Barca’s Sergi Roberto.
Then substitute Antony set Old Trafford on fire. The Barcelona defense blocked first one, then two shots from Alejandro Garnacho and Fred. But all good things come in threes.
Antony clinched attempt number three in the far corner and past Ter Stegen to make it 2–1.
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