On Thursday night, a classic Europa League match between Barcelona and Manchester United was shown.
With a final score of 2-2, the marquee match in the competition’s last-32 didn’t let anyone down in any way.
With a header in the second half, Marcos Alonso gave Barcelona the lead, but Marcus Rashford responded almost immediately with his 22nd goal of the year.
After that, Rashford worked some more magic to help United win 2-1 at Camp Nou.
Raphinha was confused by the corner flag by the Englishman’s lightning-quick feet before Jules Kounde tipped the hazardous ball across the goal’s face into his own net.
Raphinha ultimately had the final word, though, as David De Gea was beaten by his well-placed cross after it passed through several bodies inside the area.
David de Gea
Well, it was truly top-notch football entertainment at one of sports’ most recognizable venues.
Over the 94 minutes of play, there was a ton of needle between the two teams of players in addition to a ton of goalmouth action.
Naturally, Casemiro was a consistent worker in that division.
The midfield enforcer, who once again excelled for United, is not one to be afraid to use black magic on the field.
Casemiro had an added incentive to press forward because he formerly played for Real Madrid, one of Barcelona’s main rivals.
The five-time Champions League victor so determined that the 75th minute, when he defeated Gavi in a duel won by the corner flag, was the ideal opportunity to create a viral moment.
You can watch Casemiro’s icily cool response in full below. The video clip is currently making the rounds on social media.
THIS WAS SO COLD😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/muUw6yC6ON
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) February 16, 2023
NAHHHH CASEMIRO IS HIM, LOOK AT THAT STARE AND THE HUG TO VARANE, I LOVE THIS GUY pic.twitter.com/JGr4aBxNu8
— Dhruvzzz (@Dhruvzzz8) February 16, 2023
It’s not surprising that Casemiro is already such a favorite of the Old Trafford faithful, is it?
Every player and supporter wants a person like him on their squad. With him, United are incredibly fortunate.
Casemiro’s talent and the effect he has on teams are further highlighted by Real Madrid’s troubles this season, at least by their own high standards.
The most excellent £70 million United has spent in a very, very long time.
Man Utd player ratings gallery – Three score 8/10 and three get 7/10 in 2-2 draw against Barcelona
Despite his best efforts, Marcus Rashford was unable to lead Manchester United to victory at the Nou Camp.
Manchester United and Barcelona drew 2-2 in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying match at the Nou Camp.
Both teams scored twice in a fantastic second half, with Marcus Rashford scoring for United before Jules Kounde netted an own goal. So, the match is in a wonderful position going into the second leg at Old Trafford the following week.
Although the hosts were more likely to score in the first 20 minutes, United pressured Barcelona hard and was the more combative team.In the early going, Robert Lewandowski forced David de Gea into saves as Pedri flashed a shot over.
Frenkie de Jong blocked Jadon Sancho’s shot, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen made superb saves to deny Wout Weghorst’s left-foot shot, Casemiro’s header, and a curling attempt from Marcus Rashford as Erik ten Hag’s team managed to create some excellent chances.
Nevertheless, Jordi Alba’s attempt was stopped by Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the final opportunity of a close first half, and calls for a penalty were rejected.
Following the break, Marcos Alonso headed in from a corner to give the home team the lead. Raphina had previously missed with a shot. Nevertheless, Rashford matched the score two minutes later, so the lead was just temporary. The striker caught Fred’s through ball and was able to beat Ter Stegen at his near post with a shot.
Rashford, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, was now a dangerous threat, and it was his move and cross that gave the Red Devils a 2-1 lead shortly before the hour. Rashford’s ball into the area was flicked by Fernandes; Kounde provided the final touch, which went into the Barcelona goal.
Aaron Wan-attempt, Bissaka’s which was deflected wide, and Fred’s effort, which also missed the target, were good chances for United. Raphina’s piledriver was stopped, and Lewandowski curled over from a free-kick.
On minute 77, the Polish striker set up Barcelona’s second goal when Raphina found him running at the front post. However, the ball curled into the net unassisted and was credited to the former Leeds United player.
As the game neared its conclusion, the action didn’t slow down. Rashford missed a shot from a wide angle, Raphina’s header forced a save from De Gea, and Ansu Fati’s long-range attempt missed the mark.
Casemiro nearly scored an own goal when he accidently struck the post of the United goal with a shoddy clearing, but De Gea denied Fati’s powerful drive as the team leading La Liga sought for the victory late on. Fati’s superb shot in stoppage time went wide, and Tyrell Malacia’s deflection of Ronald Araujo’s header for a corner helped Xavi’s team win the game.
The players were graded as follows:
1. David de Gea- 6
made excellent saves to deny Raphina, Lewandowski, and Fati but may have been able to handle Barcelona’s second goal better.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 6
Very high on the right and frequently served as a teammate’s out-ball. In the first half, the defense was occasionally overrun.
3. Raphael Varane- 7
played well against his former rivals and made a few timely tackles. Although he did follow Lewandowski’s run, it would be unfair to hold Varane responsible for Raphina’s goal.
4. Luke Shaw- 7
Throughout the first 70 minutes in particular, he once more appeared at ease playing at center defense and showed good ball control.