Welcoming Barcelona in the second leg of the play-off to compete for tickets to the 1/8 round of the Europa League, MU entered the game better but was suddenly led by Barcelona following the goal of striker Robert Lewandowski on the penalty spot in the 18th minute.
In the second half, MU played explosively and scored 2 goals from Fred (47′) and Antony (73′) to come back to win 2-1. The final result 4-3 following 2 matches helped coach Erik ten Hag’s team go straight to the 1/8 round of the Europa League.
MU continues to maintain impressive form. Photo: Getty.
This season, MU has 19 goals in all competitions scored by substitutes, the most of any club in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
Currently, MU has been unbeaten in 18 consecutive home matches at Old Trafford in all competitions (16 wins, 2 draws), scoring 41 goals and conceding 9 goals, keeping 11 clean sheets.
The last 4 goals that winger Antony scored for MU came from 4 different competitions (Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League).
In the last 8 matches played for MU, midfielder Fred contributed to 6 goals (3 goals, 3 assists). Notably, all 3 goals that the Brazilian player scored were at Old Trafford.
MU is the first club since Granada (April 2021) to beat Barcelona following being led by the opponent in the first half. During that time, “Blaugrana” was unbeaten in 37 matches where they were ahead of the opponent in The first 45 minutes of the game.
In the last 16/18 matches in all competitions, MU scored 2 or more goals.
For their part, the 1-2 defeat once morest MU not only caused Barcelona to be eliminated, but coach Xavi Hernandez’s teachers and students also cut off a series of 18 consecutive unbeaten matches in all competitions.
The opener in the last match helped Lewandowski bring his total goals following 30 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season to 25. This is the 12th season in a row, “Lewi ” scored 25 or more goals at club level.
The results of the second leg play-off matches for tickets to the 1/8 round of the Europa League. Photo: UEFA.