Brazilian ahead Antony stepped off the bench to ship Manchester United via to the Europa League final 16 because the hosts got here from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 in Thursday’s playoff second leg and progress 4-3 on combination.
After a frantic begin, Barca had been awarded an 18th-minute penalty when Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled defender Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski simply squeezed the spot-kick dwelling.
United got here out for the second half wanting like a distinct aspect and levelled via Fred, the Brazilian steering dwelling Fernandes’s cross two minutes after the break.
An excellent save from goalkeeper David de Gea saved out an effort from Barca’s Jules Kounde, a cease that proved essential as Antony arrowed an outstanding end into the underside nook 17 minutes from time to ship United via.
United stay in 4 competitions this season as they bid to win their first main trophy since 2017.
“The belief of the team is always there,” Fernandes informed BT Sport. “The perception of the followers, they push us via tough moments.
“We have made great comebacks, the club is made also by that. In the past we have done a lot like this result.”
Both sides have improved an important deal below their new coaches this season, with a few of the soccer within the first leg testomony to that and setting the tie up properly for the return fixture below the lights at Old Trafford.
FERNANDES DENIED
United began effectively with captain Fernandes denied by an outstanding Marc-Andre ter Stegen save after being picked out by Casemiro.
Then got here the second that had Old Trafford united in incredulity as referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot, a choice Fernandes couldn’t imagine. De Gea bought a hand to Lewandowski’s penalty, however couldn’t claw it out.
The Polish striker has now scored 25 targets in 30 appearances throughout all competitions for the LaLiga leaders this season, the twelfth successive marketing campaign through which he has netted 25 or extra targets at membership stage.
United didn’t create an opportunity of notice for the rest of the primary half however no matter coach Erik ten Hag stated on the break had a direct impact as Fernandes discovered Fred to stage.
The save from De Gea to tip Kounde’s header over was world class and the end from Antony additionally proper out of the highest drawer.
Substitutes have made an enormous distinction for United this time period, with 19 targets scored by replacements in all competitions, probably the most of any big-five European league aspect in 2022-23.
The hosts survived nervy late moments, however noticed out a primary win over Barca since 2008 — 1-0 within the second leg of the 2007-08 Champions League semi-final — to finish a five-game winless run towards the Spanish aspect.
“United were very intense in that second half,” Barca coach Xavi Hernandez stated. “They are in superb type in the mean time and are superb at dwelling. It is these fantastic particulars that made all of the distinction.
“If Pedri or Gavi had been there today, maybe it would have been different in the second half.”
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
