Manchester United script second-half Europa League comeback to eliminate Barcelona

Manchester United advanced to the round of 16 of the Europa League with their 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the second leg of the last 32 tie at Old Trafford. Robert Lewandowski gave the Catalan club a 1-0 lead in the first half from the penalty spot but United scripted a famous second half turnaround to register their first win against Barcelona since 2008. Fred equalised for United just after the break before an Antony winner helped the hosts edge out their Spanish counterparts 4-3 on aggregate.

The two sides followed up their frantic 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last week with an equally compelling second chapter in Manchester. Barcelona missed the energy and dynamism of Pedri and Gavi in midfield due to injury and suspension, but the visitors took the lead in the 18^th minute from the penalty spot.

Bruno Fernandes pulled back Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde in the area to give the Spanish side a soft penalty. David de Gea got a hand on Robert Lewandowski’s spot kick but could only deflect the ball into the net as Barcelona put themselves in control of the tie.

United struggled to break down Barcelona for the rest of the opening 45 minutes. The Red Devils were also fortunate to not go into the break 2-0 down as Casemiro made a vital challenge to thwart Sergi Roberto and Frank Kessie after David de Gea dallied in possession.

Erik ten Hag introduced Antony for Wout Weghorst at the break to give United some more attacking fluidity, and it took only two minutes into the second half for the English side to draw level. Fred unleashed an incredible strike from the edge of the area to catch out Marc-Andre ter Stegen and make it 1-1.

The game became increasingly end-to-end after Fred’s equaliser. Antony was put through on goal by a glorious, lofted ball from Casemiro before David de Gea made a stupendous save to deny Jules Kounde. United eventually found the winning goal in the 73^rd minute through another Brazilian, Antony. The substitute produced an incredible finish on the volley to place the ball in the bottom corner and send Old Trafford into raptures.

Barcelona had one final chance to send the tie to extra time but Raphael Varane made a crucial goal-line block from Lewandowski’s effort to give Manchester United the victory against the Catalan giants and send them into the last 16 of the Europa League.