The expectation was that Manchester United were going to come to the Nou Camp and give the Spanish giants Barca a pretty good run for their money. They’ve done it before, especially in that famous stadium with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and it didn’t seem unreasonable to suggest they could do it again. However, the home side had other plans as they tore through the Red Devils to book their place in the semi finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Signed, sealed, delivered
With two of their most recent meetings taking place in the UCL Final, both of which Barcelona won, it was clear to see that the visitors had revenge on their mind. Unfortunately, sometimes you can want something more than anyone in the world, but that isn’t enough to get the job done.
The visitors actually started off pretty well all things considered, but that wasn’t enough to keep out Barca who managed to take the lead just after the 15 minute mark. It was a lovely attempt that did it, as the world’s greatest footballer continues to extend his legacy. A huge De Gea howler pretty much all but confirmed United’s exit, although there was still a glimmer of hope for some.
Bad blood?
It took until the hour mark but Philippe Coutinho, who has widely been linked with a move away from Barcelona in the summer, managed to score the decisive goal to really rub salt into the wounds. After a goal of that nature, you’d have to wonder just how badly United will want to bring him over to Old Trafford.
Barca, who will face either Liverpool or Porto in the semi finals of the Champions League, will now turn their attention towards Real Sociedad who they will host this weekend. On the other hand you’ve got Manchester United, who will be desperate to get their top four push back on track when they travel to take on Everton at Goodison Park.
In the end it certainly seems like there are some positives to take away for Ole, but at this point in time, there are very few clubs in the world who can trouble Barca.
Match Report
Barcelona: ter Stegen (7.5), Alba (8), Lenglet (7), Pique (7), Roberto (7), Arthur (7), Busquets (7), Rakitic (7), Coutinho (8), Suarez (7), Messi (9.5), Semedo (6.5), Dembele (6), Vidal (6.5)
Manchester United: de Gea (4.5), Lindelof (6), Smalling (6), Jones (6.5), Young (6.5), McTominay (6.5), Fred (6.5), Pogba (6.5), Lingard (6), Rashford (6), Martial (6), Dalot (6), Sanchez (6), Lukaku (6)
Referee: Dr. Felix Brych
Goals: Messi x2, Coutinho
Yellow Cards: Suarez
Red Cards: N/A
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