Manchester United defender Raphael Varane single-handedly ensured FC Barcelona had something to forget when they played the return leg of their Europa League playoff at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The 29-year-old didn't take a wrong step and make a ring decision throughout 90 minutes, and he came up big for the Red Devils as he cleared Robert Lewandoski's late-minute attempt to put the ball past David De Gea.
The former Real Madrid man was a huge problem for Xavi Hernandez's attack, as no one was able to dribble pass the French international. It was a baptism of fire as Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez did their best to neutralize Barcelona's threats, especially Robert Lewandowski.
Manchester United started off with so much dynamism as Ter Stegen kept out Bruno Fernandes' shot in the opening stages of the game.
Bruno Fernandes was found guilty of bringing down Balde in the penalty area, which gave Barcelona an early lead as Lewandowski dispatched the penalty into the back of the net despite David De Gea making his best effort to keep it out.
The first half ended with two visitors in front while Manchester United struggled to get it together in the final third.
The second half came to life with Bruno Fernandes setting up Fred, who blasted the ball past Ter Stegen to grab an equalizer for Manchester United. The hosts kept on tormenting the visitors, pressuring them into submission.
There resilience paid off on the 73 minutes of the game. Luke Shaw backheeled a ball heading out of play; it fell to Raphinha, who was about to make an attempt of clearing the ball; however, Bruno Fernandes was quick to muscle the Brazilian off the ball and set up Alejandro Gernacho, whose shot was blocked; Fred's follow up was as well blocked by the Barca defense; it was Antony's curler that found the bottom of the net in the end.
Barcelona tried to get back into the game, but Man United weren't going to give them the chance. Their best chance came during the stoppage time of the game. Barcelona broke away through Ferran Torres, who set up Robert Lewandoski. The Polish striker appeared to have beaten David De Gea and was thinking to have gotten the equalizer, only for Raphael Varane to materialize and clear the ball to safety.
It was a huge night for Manchester United as they recorded a victory over Barcelona for the first time in 11 years. They also continued their unbeaten run at Old Trafford, extending it to 18 straight games.
Raphal Varane vs. Barcelona:
100% of aerial duels won
43 touches
30 passes completed
9 times possession was won.
3 clearances
2 long passes completed
2 interceptions
1 chance created
1 clearance off the line
0 times dribbled
Rolls Royce defender
Post a Comment