Reporter Ahn Ho-geun of Star News | 2023.02.17 07:48
A deep regret remained. Manchester United unfortunately missed out on a match they might have won once morest Barcelona.
Manchester United, led by coach Eric Ten Hag, drew 2-2 with Barcelona in the first leg of the 2022-2023 European Football Federation (UEFA) Europa League (UEL) round of 16 playoffs (PO) held at Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain on the 17th (Korean time) Reaped.
It was painful to concede a goal following the middle of the second half in a 2-1 lead. He was also very regretful that he had blown a chance that looked like a penalty kick by decision.
Manchester United came out with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Boot Verhost stood in the front, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandez and Jadon Sancho stood in the second line. Fred and Casemiro guarded the front of the defense, while Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Rafael Baran and Aaron Wan-Bissaka formed the back four. Goalkeeper David de Gea.
The home team, Barcelona, faced off with a 4-3-3. Robert Lewandowski was up front, with Gabi and Rafinha attacking on the flanks. Frank Kesier, Frankie the Yong and Pedri formed the midfield, while Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kunde formed the defensive line. The goalkeeper’s gloves were worn by Andre ter Stegen.
From the first half, hot attacking football unfolded, but the first half ended 0-0. A goal feast was held in the second half. The opening goal went to Barcelona. Alonso scored from a corner kick in the 5th minute with a header using height.
Manchester United had Rashford. Rashford, who received a penetrating pass from his teammate, shook the net with a powerful right-footed shot, tearing down the space behind the opponent. In the 14th minute of the second half, Rashford, who received the ball from a corner kick, completely destroyed the right side and scored an own goal by defender Kunde with a ground ball cross.
Barcelona did not back down either. In the 31st minute of the second half, Rafinha’s left-footed cross headed for the goal and passed between Lewandowski and Manchester United’s defense. 2-2 draw.
It was an unsatisfactory game for both coaches. Both teams had a chance to take a penalty kick, but the referee did not move. At the end of the second half, Rashford fell in the process of breaking through, and manager Ten Haag appealed, but was only warned. Afterwards, manager Xavi expressed dissatisfaction, saying that Fred used his hand in the penalty box, but the referee did not declare a penalty kick.
According to Manchester United’s homepage, manager Ten Haag said in an interview with BT Sports, “I think the referee had a big impact on this game.” You shouldn’t make that mistake,” he said.
Rashford added: “It was a very important moment. My foot was in front of the ball and he hit my leg. Clear contact.”
Even so, what I gained as Man United was more games. It is because it can be said that it is a big achievement just to achieve a draw in the difficult Barcelona away. However, manager Ten Haag was not satisfied. “I think we controlled the game. It was a bit disappointing that we didn’t score in the first half because we had so many chances,” he said. “I have to finish at Old Trafford following all.”
Rashford, who was involved in both of the team’s goals that day, said, “I feel like we lost. We did well to get back into the game. We kept our cool and tried to create chances when we might.” “We scored two goals quickly and took the lead, but our opponents are also a good team with the best players,” he said, showing his respect for Barcelona.
Barcelona were unable to win at home, and Pedri’s injury at the end of the first half was a painful game. Fedry suffered a hamstring injury.
“We lost Pedri. It’s very difficult. Rotation is very important to avoid injury, but a lot is at stake in the last four months of the season,” said Xavi. We will have to wait for more detailed results,” he said.
“Sergio Roberto is an alternative. There are also Gaby, Frankie Deyong, Ferran Torres, Sergi, and Pablo Torre,” but expressed regret, saying, “Pedri is a very good player for us, so it’s a big loss.”
[저작권자 @머니투데이, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
