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Manchester United vs Barcelona LIVE result: Europa League reaction after Antony completes thrilling comeback

Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate): The hosts trailed at Old Trafford thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s penalty but goals from Fred and Antony turned the tie around once again

Michael Jones
Thursday 23 February 2023 18:04 EST
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Manchester United produced a second-half comeback to defeat Barcelona FC and advance to the last-16 of the Europa League on a thrilling night at Old Trafford.

With the tie between two of European football’s heavyweights in the balance following a 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp last week, Robert Lewandowski fired Barcelona into the lead after converting a controversial penalty - despite a hand from David de Gea.

But Erik ten Hag made a crucial change at half time - replacing Wout Weghorst with Antony - and United improved immediately, with Fred firing in the equaliser from a smart touch shortly after the break.

And it was Antony who struck on 73 minutes to turn the tie around for United, with the Brazilian finishing a first-time shot into the corner to take the roof off Old Trafford.

Follow all the reaction after Manchester United defeated Barcelona in the Europa League play-offs:

Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg)

20 mins: Man Utd won’t be too worried. They managed to come from behind and earn a draw at the Nou Camp and they’ve started brightly here tonight.

The next goal could be a crucial one though.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:20

GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Barcelona (2-3 agg) - Lewandowski, 18’ ⚽️

18 mins: It’s in!

Robert Lewandowski stutters and shuffles during his run up before lifting the ball over to David De Gea’s left. The goalkeeper dives the correct way, gets his right hand to the ball but palms it onto the inside of the post and into the back of the net.

Barcelona take the lead at Old Trafford!

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:19

Penalty to Barcelona!

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

15 mins: Alejandro Balde controls the ball inside Man Utd’s penalty area and is seemingly dragged back by Bruno Fernandes. There’s plenty of contact there and the referee points straight to the spot.

This is a big call from the referee, VAR is taking a look but this one won’t be overturned.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:16

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

14 mins: A short corner routine from Manchester United doesn’t quite work out but Barcelona are slow to work the ball away. United are pressing it short intense bursts and seem fairly compact whenever their opponents have possession.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:15

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

12 mins: Barcelona win a free kick just outside the penalty area but Casemiro is on hand to work it away when the ball is curled in.

The visitors come at the United back line again with Franck Kessie weaving his way through the inside right channel. He slips a pass into the box for Sergi Roberto but Lisandro Martinez beats him to the ball and belts it away.

Roberto leaves a foot in and takes out the defender leaving the referee no choice but to award a free kick to the home team.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:14

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

8 mins: Lovely defending from Alejandro Balde. Man Utd throw men up the pitch with Aaron Wan-Bissaka giving the ball to Bruno Fernandes on the right wing before getting forward on the overlap.

Fernandes tries to return the ball to him but Balde intercepts then shrugs off Fernandes’ recovering tackle before clearing his lines.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:08

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

6 mins: As expected it’s been a rapid start. At the other end of the pitch Raphinha cuts inside onto his left foot and has a shot blocked. He scored Barcelona’s equaliser just like that in the first leg.

Marcus Rashford receives the ball and runs along the front edge of the box. Jules Kounde tries to hold him off before Sergio Busquets sticks a foot in and takes him down.

Manchester United want a free kick inside the ‘D’ but the referee lets play go on.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:06

Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

3 mins: Chance! There’s a mistake from Barcelona in midfield which allows Casemiro to come away with the ball. He curls a pass out to the right wide of the pitch where Bruno Fernandes collects the ball and drives into the box.

He’s only got the goalkeeper to beat and smashes a shot towards the far bottom corner but Marc-Andre ter Stegen is well place to keep it out with an outstretched right leg.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:04

Kick off: Man Utd 0-0 Barcelona (2-2 agg)

Manchester United get the match underway. This is a big one. Whoever wins will make it into the Europa League last-16, whoever lose will be out.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 20:03

Man Utd vs Barcelona

Here come the teams.

After the first leg theatrics, everyone is expecting this match to be a belter. Let’s hope it lives up to the hype. Manchester United vs Barcelona is up next.

Michael Jones23 February 2023 19:57

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