Just one week ago, these sides played a brilliant game of football that left it all to play for in this second leg after a 2-2 draw, and both were in good form. United came from behind to lead on Thursday before conceding the equalizer. They're unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions (W6 D2) and cruised to a 3-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
As for Barcelona, they responded well to going behind in that match, and their pressure for a leveler paid off. They're on an even longer unbeaten run, going 18 in all competitions without defeat (W15 D3). They also won in the league at the weekend, seeing off Cadiz with a 2-0 victory.
Erik ten Hag made four changes to the side that beat Leicester last time. Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Casemiro, and Sancho were all brought in, while Martinez retained his place after serving a suspension in the reverse fixture. Dalot, Sabitzer, Lindelof, and Garnacho all dropped to the bench, where Antony and Maguire were also named after returning from injury.
🔴 MANCHESTER UNITED 🔴
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 23, 2023
Erik's Reds for tonight's second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL
Xavi also made four changes from their league win over Cadiz on Sunday. Busquets returned from an ankle injury, and Araujo was available after serving a domestic ban. Kessie and Raphinha also came back.
🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨#MUFCBarça pic.twitter.com/iPx1KmcHMA
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 23, 2023
But today was a different day, with different motivations and immense hunger. It was no mystery what both teams wanted! United knocked it around nicely in the midfield but struggled to create anything in the final third. Barcelona was dropping back deep in their half, and their compact space was frustrating United. Barcelona's patient play caused United all sorts of problems, dragging the hosts easily out of shape.
Barcelona took a 1-0 lead into halftime, leading United 3-2 on aggregate in the tie. It was a first half of few chances, with United having a big one early on, though Ter Stegen saved Fernandes' shot well. The United captain then gave away the penalty that Lewandowski scored - De Gea got a firm hand on it, but it bounced in off the post. The visitors have looked in control, with Casemiro also making a big block in stoppage time to keep his side in it.
Xavi was the happier of the two managers, but this tie wasn't over yet. Their only shot on target so far was the penalty. Ten Hag was a frustrated figure on the touchline, and he was making it clear to his team that there needed to be a significant improvement if they wanted to go through.
Definitely, the halftime team talks paid off. Within only two minutes, Fred equalized! What a start to the second half for United! Shaw's throw-in was only half-cleared by Barcelona, and United won it back high upfield. Sancho knocked it through to Fernandes and helped it onto Fred on the edge of the box. It's not the neatest of finishes as it rolls off his shin, but Ter Stegen couldn't keep it out of the bottom corner. 1-1! Game on!!
Barcelona was struggling to cope with how quickly United started the second half. Barcelona was trying to find their rhythm, but they were scrambling back to their box. They struggled to get out of their half as United continued pushing forward.
United has scored 19 goals via substitutes in all competitions this season, more than any other side in the big five European leagues. And today it was Antony! Shaw kept the ball in play with a superb backheel, and Fernandes brushed Raphinha aside to keep the attack alive. Garnacho saw a shot blocked, as did Fred on the follow-up before it rolled out to Antony. He's unmarked on the right of the box and, on the volley, curled his effort around Ter Stegen and into the far bottom corner. 2-1 United!
Barcelona was trying to play their way upfield for the equalizer they needed, but Casemiro and Varane were still haunting them.
United's name goes into the hat for the round of 16 draws, which will take place tomorrow. They have another big match at the weekend as they face Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final. Barcelona is out of Europe, and their attention now turns back to their title charge in LaLiga. They travel to Almeria on Sunday.
