Man Utd 2-1 Barcelona: Shaw and Martinez went wild celebrating Varane’s heroics
Varane #Varane
Manchester United booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday evening after seeing off Barcelona.
United welcomed the Catalan giants to Old Trafford for their second leg with the tie finely poised at 2-2.
Barca took the lead in the 18th minute in controversial fashion.
The away side were given a penalty when Alejandro Balde fell to the ground under a challenge from Bruno Fernandes.
Robert Lewandowski stepped up and his effort just about found a way past David de Gea.
United managed to turn the game on its head in the second half.
The English giants restored parity a few minutes after the break courtesy of Fred’s superb finish.
Antony then scored what turned out to be the winner for his side in the 72nd minute.
His beautiful curled effort found the corner of the net and United held on to progress to the last 16.
Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez go wild for Raphael Varane’s goal line clearance
Raphael Varane rescued his side with some heroic defending deep into stoppage-time.
Lewandowski found himself one vs one with De Gea and it looked as if he would score a dramatic equaliser.
The Polish striker poked the ball towards goal but it was intercepted by Varane, who booted the ball away to safety.
Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez knew just how important their teammates’ clearance was and they went wild celebrating with him.
Just look at the passion. You love to see it.
When does the Europa League last 16 draw take place?
United will find out their opponents for the last 16 of the Europa League when the draw takes place in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday morning.
Among the teams that have also progressed to the last 16 include Arsenal, Juventus, Roma and Bayer Leverkusen.
United will no doubt be considered one of the favourites to win the competition. They will take some stopping, that’s for sure.
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