Manchester United-Barcelona is the return match of the Europa League round of 16 play-offs and is played on Thursday at 21:00: predictions.
That this had all the characteristics to be a potential final is not only said by the blazon. It was also confirmed by the first leg at the Camp Nou: a match of rare beauty between Barcelona and Manchester United, in perfect harmony with their illustrious past, when they were used to playing each other on much more important stages.
In Catalonia it ended 2-2, a result that gives even more fascination to the return match at Old Trafford, at the end of which one of the two will have to leave the competition. Intensity, speed, twists and turns: Xavi and Erik ten Hag, the two coaches, did not miss a thing. After a first half that ended in a scoreless draw, the match was definitively lit up in the second half: Marcos Alonso’s goal was followed in quick succession by Rashford’s goal and the own goal of the Blaugrana Koundé; the French defender then immediately redeemed himself, providing the assist for the 2-2 to Raphinha, a player completely reborn after the change of position decided by the coach. Barça obviously dominated possession and overall had a few more chances, but Manchester United had the great merit of scoring two goals against a team that had barely conceded one in front of its home crowd in the league. The final equaliser perhaps favoured the Red Devils, forcing the Catalans into a historic temple in which Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates had 14 wins and a draw in their last 15 home games.
Two teams in confidence
Barcelona, however, are also coming off a long run of positive results: Xavi’s side have been unbeaten for 18 matches, of which they have won 16. In the league, yet another success has just arrived: a 2-0 win at Cadiz that keeps the lead over rivals Real Madrid intact, who remain minus 8.
Ten Hag and Xavi
In the Premier League, Manchester United, now a different team after Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell, also won. At Old Trafford, the Red Devils didn’t give anyone a chance and Leicester had to bow before a wild Rashford (two goals) and Sancho’s goal (3-0). As well as consolidating their third place, ten Hag’s men have moved significantly closer to the top two and are back to nurturing title dreams. Pretty clear ideas for both coaches as far as formations are concerned. The Dutch coach has to do without Martial and Eriksen and probably also Antony. Casemiro and Fred will find a place in the midfield, while Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and the irreplaceable Rashford will act behind the only forward Weghorst. In Barcelona Gavi is absent, disqualified, but his ‘twin’ Pedri is also injured. Former Milan player Kessié will be on the three-quarter: the Ivorian will support Lewandowski with Raphinha and Sergi Roberto.
The Prediction
It’s difficult to say anything about the final result after such a balanced first leg. Both teams start with the same chances to pass the round: slight advantage for Manchester United simply because they play in front of their home crowd. Both teams are well offensively and, like seven days ago, should score on at least one occasion. Extra time is a viable option.
The Manchester United-Barcelona likely line-ups
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst.
- BARCELONA (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Koundé, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; de Jong, Busquets; Raphinha, Kessié, Sergi Roberto; Lewandowski.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
