After finishing third in their Champions League group behind an unbeatable Bayern and resurgent Inter, Barcelona entered this match having not lost since October and have won every game they've played since January 12 this year.
Pedri's first-half strike sealed the points in Barca's last league game against Villarreal, and the Blaugrana made two changes at the back for this match. Jordi Alba was in for Alejandro Balde at left-back, and former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen was replaced by his ex-Blues teammate Marcos Alonso, most often used as a wing-back in west London, in the heart of the defense.
🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨#BarçaMUFC pic.twitter.com/iubeWzfPvd
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 16, 2023
Manchester United was pipped to the top spot of their Europa League group by Real Sociedad on goal difference, with a 1-0 home loss to the Spanish side in their opening game proving crucial. However, they're on a six-game unbeaten run of their own, winning five of these games since a league loss to Arsenal in late January.
United was bolstered by the return of Casemiro to their midfield. The ex-Madrid lynchpin missed their two back-to-back league games with Leeds through suspension but was straight back in the XI alongside Fred for this must-win match.
📋 Presenting your United XI to take on Barcelona at the Nou Camp 🔥#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 16, 2023
It was goalless at the break, but we saw massive chances kept out at both ends! While Barca had much more of the ball, their goalkeeper Ter Stegen was called into action most often, making two fantastic saves to keep out Rashford and Weghorst. The Blaugrana also created chances, with Lewandowski and Alba going close, and given the openness we've seen at the back from both teams, an opening goal looked set to come along sooner rather than later.
Jordi 4️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/oncCHI1bcj
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 16, 2023
Left-back Alba, in his 450th appearance, was charging up and down the left edge throughout that first half, and the Barcelona captain almost got on the scoresheet with a deflected effort parried wide by De Gea. He led the way for touches so far, with 50, and also completed a game-high 17 passes in the final third, as well as winning all three of his duels. He's also been busy at the back, winning possession eight times via a successful tackle and two interceptions and clearances apiece. Evergreen!
Despite being the better side so far, United took the first bleeding. GOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! A Blaugrana breakthrough!!! Raphinha won a corner and fired the delivery curling towards the back post. Alonso evaded his marker to meet the ball with a deft header, which beat De Gea at his near post and bounced into the net!! Poor defending from the visitors, but Barca didn't care as they went 1-0 up from the corner!
The savior of United, who is having the form of his life, didn't take long to respond. GOOOOAAALLL!!! An instant reply from the Red Devils!! Fred charged through the middle before playing Rashford in on the right, and the in-form England forward smashed a low shot on the angle, which flew past Ter Stegen and nestled in the bottom corner!! He's playing absolutely scintillating football at the moment, and what a way to make it 1-1!
United's high press and intensity were rewarded by an own goal. Rashford won a corner, and it's taken short, allowing the previous goalscorer to drive toward the box before crossing. His teasing ball led to a scramble in the goalmouth, and the ball bounced off Kounde before hitting the net! Another goal of Rashford's making and Barca's lead was turned on its head!
A 2-2 draw tee us up for a mouth-watering second leg to this Europa League knockout tie in a week, with the winners of the match, Old Trafford entering the last 16 of Europe's secondary club competition. The short turnaround should see the two sides set up similarly in attack, and with no away goals, it looks set to be another firecracker of a game that will hopefully see another feast of chances, saves, and goals at both ends.
Rashford and Raphina were the heroes of their team and a massive round of applause for both goalies. Varane was also rock solid in his 50th appearance for United. Jordi Alba also made it a memorable 450th milestone with a stunning performance at the Spotify Camp Nou.
