Europa League Playoff Result, Player Ratings, What We Learned

FC Barcelona took on Manchester United in a Europa League playoff second leg on Thursday. Here’s the result, some player ratings, and what we learned from the tie.

Manchester United 2 – 1 FC Barcelona

Fred, 47′ Lewandowski, 18′

Antony, 73′

Manchester United win 4-3 on aggregate and advance to the last 16.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Made an early important stop from Bruno Fernandes but was little he could do with either goal from United. 7

Alejandro Balde

Caught out by Fernandes as the Portuguese almost made it 1-0 early doors, but gradually improved heading forward. Won the penalty Lewandowski converted and many a plaudit for an impeccable first half. After the interval, he could be blamed for his positioning on Fred and Antony’s goals, but so could others. 6

Andreas Christensen

Had a steady first half and was crucial in putting Antony off his shot in the second half as the youngster looked to put United ahead. Before he eventually did, that is. 7

Ronald Araujo

Fantastic dealing with Marcus Rashford whenever Europe’s in-form striker headed central in the first half. Could do nothing to stem the tide as United took over in his 100th club appearance. Made a big challenge approaching 80 minutes to stop the deficit widening. 7

Jules Kounde

Suffered a scare with a minute down after Luke Shaw stamped on his foot. Handled Rashford much better at right back than in the first leg, but was initially a little wasteful with his passing up the pitch. Almost put Barca 2-1 ahead with a fantastic header David De Gea tipped over the bar. 6

Franck Kessie

Tried to let Casemiro know he was there but fouled the Brazilian inside 10 minutes in a dangerous area. Was always physical when needed, but left the rough stuff behind to come to the forefront in an advanced attacking role. Always linking play in his best performance in a Barca shirt thus far in the first half. Tested De Gea in the second half from the edge of the box but dropped off, as did Barca on the whole. 7 – MAN OF THE MATCH

Sergio Busquets

Returned from injury and though often outpaced, made excellent first half tackles in the middle of the park when needed with expert positional awareness. The less said about the start of his second half the better as he started to be swamped by Fred and Casemiro. 6

Frenkie de Jong

Defended well in the first half covering for the likes of Balde when they charged high up. Began to rack up ridiculous passing, duels and dribbling stats to show why United wanted him so badly in the summer. Started lax in the second half and perhaps has to shoulder a little blame for Fred’s equalizer. But as the only midfielder tracking back, that would be harsh. Was always there as United attacked, when it was their turn to dominate in the second half. 7

Sergi Roberto

Placed in the false left winger role usually inhabited by Gavi on the team sheet. Came more central, and while he lacked the youngster’s pace, he tried to match his intensity by always trying to press and track back. Arguably the best player of the first half along with Kessie, and picked up a yellow in the opening 10 minutes of the second for his part in a tussle between both teams. Brought off for Ferran Torres on 70 minutes. 7

Robert Lewandowski

Did nothing until the penalty that put Barca 1-0 ahead and little after. Fluffed a chance to equalise in injury time. Generally speaking, another worrying performance in his post-World Cup slump repertoire. 5

Raphinha

Cut inside on the edge of the box with his first touch of the game but couldn’t keep his shot down. Nor could he when linking up well with Roberto approaching half time. Muscled off the ball by Fernandes in the build-up to Antony’s goal that made it 2-1 and brought off for Ansu Fati swiftly after. 5

What we learned

No matter who is available, injured or suspended, four midfielders with one pure winger is clearly the way to go for Xavi.

With Pedri and Gavi out, their replacements in Kessie and Roberto were the best players of the first half as Barca completely dominated their hosts.

They came out for the second ’45 a little sluggish, though, and allowed United to come back into the game while never taking control of it again themselves as they were bullied by the PremierPINC
League giants.

For all Xavi’s good work in La Liga, he has again fallen short prematurely on the continent and this must be rectified in the coming years. Put simply, this was another case of a team from the Spanish top flight failing to match the intensity and rhythm of an outfit from its English counterpart.

At least an easier test awaits away at Almeira on Sunday.