Yes, it's just a normal Europa League Thursday night; however, it was a classic showdown between Erik ten Hag's Manchester United and Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona. Both teams showed their class in a 2-2 draw.
Manchester United had the best chance to take the lead in the first half after Wout Weghorst was put in a one-on-one situation with Ter Stegen, but the German goalkeeper managed to keep out Wout Weghorst's shot.
The second half was brought to life following Marcus Alonso's header, and Manchester United replied with two quick goals as Marcus Rashford equalized before forcing another own goal to put the Red Devils ahead. Raphinha put the Catalans back into the game after his long-range stunner found the back of David De Gea's net.
The two clubs will have to settle the tie next week when the return leg is played at Old Trafford in the city of Manchester.
* Red Devils give Nou Camp the shocks
Xavi Hernandez Barcelona's team is set to attack. Erik Ten Hag stressed it was one of their major strengths as a team—their ability to retain possession and split defenses apart with their passing technique.
Heading into the game on the back of 17 clean sheets and seven goals conceded, the football world doubted Manchester United would make any case against the Catalans at Nou Camp.
However, Erik Ten Hag's injury-hit side gave Xavi Hernandez a serious run for their money. They went toe-to-toe with them in possession, and we were able to score twice within 7 minutes. although it was after Barcelona took the lead through Marcus Alonso's header.
Erik Ten Hag's side frustrated the hosts until they had to rely on crosses to complete attacks against Manchester United's defense. Man United took charge of the midfield, and the only Barcelona player who could pose threats in the middle was the familiar Frenkie De Jong.
* Manchester United have a future under Erik Ten Hag.
It's not the first game this season that the Red Devils have wowed and amazed the football world since Erik Ten Hag's appointment.
What made the Thursday clash exceptional was the fact that it was an international competition. It's just the first season under the Dutch tactician; it's just a glimpse of what is to come when he is done rebuilding the Red Devils squad.
* Erik Ten Hag shows he's got tactical nous.
Despite an injury strike and a depleted squad, Erik Ten Hag managed to create another master piece and showed his tactical nous once again.
The former Ajax manager started Luke Shaw at center back, moved Wout Weghorst to a number 10 position, pushed Bruno Fernandes to the right flank and Jadon Sancho to the right, while Marcus Rashford spearheaded the attack.
That's a repeat of the tactical change he made to win the Red Devils' Premier League game against Leeds United on Sunday.
* Marcus Rashford is reborn.
Having equaled his best goalscoring tally of 22 in a season for Manchester United, the academy graduate will have his sights set on scoring more goals before the end of the season.
He proved Xavi Hernandez and Erik Ten Hag right with his display on Thursday night. Even Rio Ferdinand admits that the England international is on fire at the moment.
* Dave Saves
David De Gea will not be happy with Raphael's equalizer for Barcelona due to the manner in which it was conceded, but no one expected the winger's cross to findits way to the back of the net; even his teammate Robert Lewandowski failed to connect with the cross.
The Spaniard was solid, making crucial saves while the game lasted.
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