Barcelona vs Manchester United LIVE: Result, final score and reaction

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Barca playing ‘best football in several years’ – ten Hag

A 2-2 of many twists, most of all in what a coruscating game represented. Manchester United’s trip to Barcelona is after all a famous Champions League fixture that was here an early Europa League play-off first leg, with the lessened pressure eventually bringing heightened entertainment. the Spanish league leaders not really looking like what that phrase has historically meant.

Marcus Rashford claimed one and set up the other, before offering a last twist in missing a fine chance on this kind of form. That in itself still would have felt a little harsh on Barca, who had enough big chances towards the end themselves. Ansu Fati was their response to Rashford, shifting the game back the other way.

This was the other twist on this fixture. Whereas it has traditionally been Barca who have sought to impose a Cruyffian style on a United willing to wait for their moments, Erik ten Hag has ensured his side now have plenty of the former. Neither currently have enough, though, to have prevented this becoming a rip-roaring back and forth. It sets up the second leg in a week, just as the initial tactical ideas set up the wondrous second half.

Follow all the reaction from the Camp Nou after Barcelona played host to Manchester United:

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Marcus Rashford continues hot streak as Man United earn pulsating first-leg draw in Barcelona

A 2-2 of many twists, most of all in what a coruscating game represented. Manchester United’s trip to FC Barcelona is after all a famous Champions League fixture that was here an early Europa League play-off first leg, with the lessened pressure eventually bringing heightened entertainment, the Spanish league leaders not really looking like what that phrase has historically meant.

Their defence certainly looked off the level. Having conceded just seven goals in 1,890 minutes of LaLiga football this season, Barcelona suffered two in six minutes here, as United regularly looked like they could score at will – especially the effervescent Marcus Rashford.

He claimed one and set up the other, before offering a last twist in missing a fine chance on this kind of form. That in itself still would have felt a little harsh on Barca, who had enough big chances towards the end themselves. Ansu Fati was their response to Rashford, shifting the game back the other way.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:57

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Barcelona vs Manchester United player ratings: Marcus Rashford and Casemiro shine in draw

The first half was certainly a case of goalkeepers on top, as David de Gea denied Robert Lewandowski early on before, at the other end, Marc-Andre ter Stegen denied both Wout Weghorst and Marcus Rashford.

The finishing was far stronger after the restart though, with a flurry of second-half goals seeing the tie swing back and forth after Marcos Alonso first headed home the opener at the far post.

Rashford quickly equalised with a brilliant near-post finish, before his run then ended in a cross being turned into his own net by Jules Kounde – only for Raphinha’s cross to then drift in at the other end for 2-2.

Here are the player ratings from the first leg at the Camp Nou.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:53

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FT Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

Marcus Rashford has scored 22 goals for Man Utd in all competitions this season, equalling his best return in a single campaign (also 22 in 2019/20).

(REUTERS)

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:49

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FT Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

That was a great game of football between two historic teams aiming for silverware. The next leg looks set to be a cracker as well. Who will make it through to the last-16?

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:45

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Full-time: Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

90+4 mins: A last minute corner for Barcelona is dealt with by Manchester United and the final whistle goes to end this exceptional, breathtaking encounter.

Manchester United will feel as though they could have won the game but Barcelona also had their chances. In the end a 2-2 draw seems the fairest result and leaves this Europa League play-off perfectly poised for the second leg at Old Trafford.

That one takes place next Thursday.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:41

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Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

90 mins: Both sides have had 16 attempts. Both sides have two goals. Both sides are trying to win this game.

Casemiro lays the ball off to Rashford on the edge of the box, he shoots first time but scuffs the effort and leaves Ter Stegen with an easy stop to make.

Four minutes of added time to play.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:36

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Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

87 mins: Off the post! Manchester United are under serious pressure. Barcelona win a free kick and whip it into the box. The ball bounces around before Casemiro’s mishit smokes the ball onto his own post!

The rebound goes out for a throw in the Kounde gives to Roberto. He returns the ball and Kounde picks out Ansu Fati in the box. Fati drills a shot into the deck and forces De Gea into a sharp save!

Brilliant stuff from United’s keeper.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:34

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Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

85 mins: Penalty shout! Barcelona think they have a penalty as Sergi Robero meets a cross and heads the ball into the box. Fred has his arm outstretched and the ball strikes him.

The referee says no and a VAR check confirms his decision.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:32

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Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

82 mins: Alejandro Garnacho comes on for the final 10 minutes as Jadon Sancho is taken off for Manchester United. Can the youngster get a goal and earn United a famous win?

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:27

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Barcelona 2-2 Man Utd

79 mins: Close! A long ball up the pitch is contested by Luke Shaw and Raphinha. Shaw’s header is flicked into his own box where Raphinha gets to it first.

He nods a header of his own towards goal but David De Gea closes him down and pushes the effort wide.

Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:26

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