It was Manchester United who opened best at a boiling Old Trafford.
Already in the third minute, team captain Bruno Fernandes could have given the home team the lead when he was set free by Casemiro, but the finish was tame, straight at Marc-André ter Stegen.
Fernandes was no luckier in his own penalty area when he brought down Alejandro Balde who fell easily, giving Robert Lewandowski the chance from eleven yards.
As expected, the Pole made no mistake and made it 1-0 to the away team. The rest of the half was controlled by Barcelona who could have led with a couple of more balls.
Manchester United also opened the second half strongly and only a few minutes in it was tied.
Fernandes found his way to Fred who shot 1–1 with his usually weaker right foot.
A smooth effort from striker Wout Weghorst prompted Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to replace Antony with the Dutchman at half-time.
A successful move, it would turn out.
In the 73rd minute, United broke through in the penalty area and after a couple of unsuccessful shooting attempts, the ball ended up in Antony’s hands.
The blonde Brazilian coolly placed the ball into the far corner, and so the home team had made it 2-1.
The result stood the test of time and Manchester United are thus through to the round of 16 in the tournament, while it is finished in Europe for Barcelona.