It was another heartbreak in Europe for the FC Barcelona fans as they lost 2-1 against Manchester United to bow out of the Europa League. It was a closely contested tie but the Red Devils were slightly better overall and hence they will go through to the next round.
It was disappointing from the La Liga leaders to fail once again in Europe, this time in the Europa League. The Catalans started their season in the Champion’s League and then they got knocked out from the group stages after losing to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. Hence they moved to Europa League and here the draw did not favour them as they were up against Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.
It was a 2-2 draw in the first leg where Raphinha popped up at the right time and saved Xavi Hernandez’s men to at least keep it to a draw. But at Old Trafford the Red Devils were the better team in almost every department. However the visitors started the game strongly as Robert Lewandowski converted from the spot to hand Barcelona the lead. At halftime the Spanish outfit were leading by a solitary goal and Ten Hag had enough belief in his players that they would turn in around in the next forty five.
United came out of their blocks quickly as Fred restored parity only a couple of minutes into the second half as the Old Trafford crowd started rallying behind their team once again. It was a surreal atmosphere as another Brazilian, Antony, came up with a brilliant strike to hand the hosts the crucial lead.
Xavi who was outwitted by Ten Hag acknowledged that the European matches are matter of smaller margins and they have always been second best on these nights even by the barest of margins. “Matches in Europe are decided by small details and we have not controlled them. That’s why we’re out.”
He shares that the team is doing a lot better than last season but have not been measured up in crucial clashes against top european teams. “The feeling is that we have been much better than last season, but we have lost to Bayern, Inter, Manchester. We have not measured up. We have to try to be more competitive and make an important self-criticism to try again next season,” Xavi added.
While things are over in Europe for the Catalans for this season, it can be a blessing in disguise for Xavi’s men as they can now solely focus on the La Liga. They already have an eight point lead over rivals Real Madrid and they will look to continue their fine run as they take on Almeria on Sunday.
