The Spaniards and English are tied at two in a lively match that keeps the tie in suspense
Earlier remarks by Xavi Hernandez suggested the decisive moments would come at Old Trafford, not in Barcelona, and the Camp Nou showdown reinforced that view. A 2-2 final scoreline reflected a game packed with chances as both sides chased victory.
From the opening minutes, the visitors sat in a stronger position on the pitch. Barcelona wrestled control by the end of the first quarter, weathering an early wave of pressure before finding their rhythm. It proved to be a night of back-and-forth momentum and frequent shifts in authority.
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The warning about rapid transitions from Manchester United proved accurate. Barcelona attempted to mirror Vinicius’s approach by deploying Araujo on the right to blunt Rashford, yet the English forward impressed with cunning movement, sidestepping the Uruguayan and maintaining danger in wide areas.
The match faced an early setback when Pedro suffered an injury, underscoring the tension of the night. The Canary was substituted by Sergi Roberto, who filled in after sustaining a rectus femoris injury to his right thigh, potentially sidelining him for a week.
The second half produced further opportunities for both teams. At the 50th minute, Marcos Alonso pushed Barcelona ahead, dedicating the goal to his late father and drawing a roar from the Blaugrana faithful. Rashford quickly responded, restoring parity with a well-timed finish in a sequence that highlighted Manchester United’s resilience.
That moment began a ferocious spell. Koundé endured a rough night, scoring an unfortunate own goal to make it 1-2, yet Barcelona responded with stubborn pride. Raphinha found fortune in a key moment, and the late push suggested the result would not settle for a draw without a final showing of intent from both sides.
In the end, the 2-2 result underscored Barcelona’s capacity to compete at a European pace, though it also left questions about how they might translate domestic form into continental depth. Xavi had asserted a European benchmark the night before, and next week at Old Trafford offers a golden chance to prove that promise. European survival remains at stake.
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Minute by minute Barcelona vs Manchester United Europa League
Press conferences and statements from Barcelona vs Manchester United Europa League
Raphinha on Movistar +:
On the change: “It’s over, it’s normal. I’ve spoken with Xavi and I want to apologize again to the coach, Ferran, the team, and the fans. Sometimes emotions flare up. I made a mistake. I’m here to apologize. The aim is to win.”
Xavi’s response: “Okay, he’s a player. It cannot happen, but emotions aren’t always in our control. I accept his apology.”
On the intensity of the game: “Yesterday I said it would be a great match. It is. We know the level of intensity, our quality, and it’s important that games like this resemble a final between two great teams.”
You win back: “Sure sure.”
Marc Alonso in Movistar+:
Reaction to the result: “Disappointment. Ten minutes in, the flow changed after we controlled the game. Overall, we did control the game. We must go for it.”
On stopping Rashford: “They are excellent players, just like us. It is difficult in Europe when facing the best.”
Barcelona’s European proof: “Obviously, there is a chance to pull out all the stops and win in the next leg.”
Goal dedicated to his father: “A special goal after difficult days, for my family, for him, and for the club that has shown me so much support this week.”
De Gea in Movistar+: “Both sides created many chances. It was a great game that could have gone either way, though the final goal was unfortunate. Barca showed they are a strong team with young players and a great coach. I’m feeling good, and so is the team. We win tough games and play many matches in a short span. Hopefully the season ends with a title and a good feeling.”
Jordi Cruyff in Movistar+:
On the level of play: “It’s a different kind of football from the Spanish league; the English league is more physical. United has a squad with many World Cup players—they play as a unit. Stopping Rashford is tough.”
Barça was in reach: “With a bit of luck and clean execution, it could have been 3-2. Old Trafford is a historic stadium; it’s a 50-50 scenario.”
On Spain’s refereeing or external distractions: “The outside may influence opinions, but the focus is winning.”
Raphinha’s anger: “Emotion is part of the game. No player wants to leave, but it must be accepted. It’s over.”
Pedro’s injury: “We’ll wait and see. Muscle injuries aren’t always predictable. If he’s not out long, he remains a key player.”
Barcagate influence? “The outside noise didn’t affect the field; the aim was winning.”
Videos, lineups and news from Barcelona vs Manchester United Europa League
Final whistle in Barcelona. A 2-2 draw, with everything to be decided next week in England.
Four added minutes at the Camp Nou
Minute 90. Ter Stegen repelled Rashford’s costly attempt.
Minute 87. De Gea saved again, this time on Ansu Fati’s effort.
Minute 86. Barça hit the post and then De Gea stifled a danger play. Barcelona pushed hard.
Minute 85. Barcelona players appeal for a handball by Fred in the visitors’ box
Minute 82. Raphinha left furious. Ferran Torres replaced him.
Minute 80. Barcelona presses; United respond, aiming for the draw.
Minute 77. Goooal for Barcelona. A center from Raphinha deflects and wrong-foots United’s goalkeeper, Lewandowski not touching it but it finds the net.
Minute 72. Gavi booked; he will miss the second leg.
Minute 68. Lewandowski from a set piece; his free kick drifts wide.
Minute 65. Barcelona under pressure, Rashford’s pace causing trouble with swift transitions.
Minute 60. Goooal for United. Koundé’s own goal adds to the drama, with Barcelona questioning a perceived offside.
Minute 55. De Gea denies a Raphinha shot.
Minute 53. Goooal for Manchester United. Rashford levels again.
Minute 50. Goooal for Barcelona. Marcos Alonso delivers a fierce strike from the far post, dedicating it to his late father.
Minute 47. Second-half opening, Raphinha’s shot goes wide
The second half resumes at the Camp Nou
Casemiro returns to Camp Nou…
Another moment where Ter Stegen keeps Barcelona in the game.
Intermission in Barcelona
Minute 42. Pedri leaves with an injury; Sergi Roberto enters
Minute 38. Jordi Alba forced a De Gea corner with a promising run.
Minute 35. Ter Stegen makes another save after a Rashford burst.
Minute 31. Jordi Alba booked for a foul
Minute 30. Ter Stegen stops Casemiro’s strike in two attempts.
Minute 29. Veghorst’s early presence is nullified by a sharp Ter Stegen intervention.
27th minute. Sancho’s shot rattles the post; United remains dangerous.
Minute 23. Gavi cautioned; one more yellow could force a leg to the next fixture.
Minute 20. Gavi’s assist to Pedri sets up a Canary strike; the keeper blocks it high. Barcelona enjoying good moments.
Minute 13. Marcos Alonso’s dangerous free kick over the bar.
Minute 11. Araujo’s effort after United’s initial pressure; Barça begins to shift momentum.
Minute 10. De Gea saves Lewandowski’s early chance
The match begins at Camp Nou.
Manchester United vs Barcelona.
Present the United XI for the clash at Camp Nou #MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (official) (@ManUtd) February 16, 2023
Summary of Barcelona vs Manchester United Europa League
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