MANCHESTER: With Antony's goal, Manchester United defeated Barcelona to advance to the Europa League round of 16 with a 2-1 nighttime victory and a 4-3 aggregate victory on Thursday.
Barca had gotten off to a perfect start at Old Trafford thanks to an early penalty kick from Robert Lewandowski.
However, the move to the European stage proved to be another setback for the leaders of La Liga, as Fred equalized early in the second period and Antony produced his best performance since joining Manchester United from Ajax.
What a night! #MUFC || #UEL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) 1677189210000 The fact that two of the continent's giants were competing against each other at this point in Europe's second-tier competition was evidence that both had experienced more difficult times in recent years.
However, United are riding a wave in Erik ten Hag's first season as manager, and the Red Devils are still competing for four trophies.
When United plays Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday, they might win a trophy for the first time in six years.
However, they went out of their way to get their biggest win in Europe since shockingly knocking Paris Saint-Germain out of the Champions League in 2019
Competing well against Barcelona. MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester Joined together (@ManUtd) 1677204120000
Joined are presently unbeaten at Old Trafford in 18 games tracing all the way back to September yet had to fight against eminent loss for the second time in the tie.
Within three minutes, Bruno Fernandes missed a fantastic opportunity to give the home team the lead when his angled drive was stopped by Marc-Andre ter Stegen's foot.
Before being eliminated from the Champions League group stage by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in October, Barcelona had been unbeaten in all competitions.
European nights #MUFC || #UEL https://t.co/4b5uKJXomb — Manchester United (@ManUtd) 1677201000000 Despite their rise domestically under Xavi Hernandez to challenge Real Madrid for La Liga's top spot, the Catalans failed once more in a significant European test.
Even with the opening goal, the visitors were unable to take advantage of a gift.
When Fernandes erroneously extended an arm to catch Alejandro Balde, Old Trafford was enraged when French referee Clement Turpin pointed to the spot.
David De Gea assisted Lewandowski on his penalty kick, but after 18 minutes, the ball bounced back off the post.
Due to injury and suspension, Barca lacked the class and inventiveness of Pedri and Gavi in the midfield.
However, without ever threatening to increase their lead, Xavi's team continued to dominate the remainder of the first half.
Time for a new cover photo? #MUFC || #UEL https://t.co/1eLShIJqf — Manchester United (@ManUtd) 1677195001000 Ten Hag responded by substituting Antony for the ineffective Wout Weghorst at halftime, and the desired response was achieved within two minutes.
Fred scored low past Ter Stegen after Fernandes was moved back to his preferred central midfield position.
As he tipped over Jules Kounde's header from close range, United still needed a big De Gea moment to keep the momentum from going back toward the Catalan giants.
Since joining Ten Hag for £86 million from Ajax, Antony has been flatteringly deceitful.
However, 17 minutes into the match, the Brazilian produced a high-quality performance for the winner.
Antony was able to curl the ball over Ter Stegen's outstretched arm after Alejandro Garnacho and Fred had their attempts blocked.
