Having previously met in two Champions League finals – both of which Barca won – the sides are trying to reach those heady heights again.
This encounter at the Nou Camp in Europe’s secondary competition was another step on that road back to the top.
Xavi’s men grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha’s corner, but United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashford as he slipped in a finish at the near post.
They showed their resilience to turn the game around as Rashford’s cross was then turned into his own net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
But United were unable to hold on as ex-Leeds winger Raphinha’s cross from wide on the right sailed all the way into the net.
Barca, though, almost snatched a late victory when Casemiro’s attempted clearance struck his own post, but little separated the sides heading into next Thursday’s second leg.
United manager Ten Hag told BT Sport: “I think it was a great game. Two attacking teams, I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I really enjoyed the game. In the end (it finished) 2-2, and we have to finish it in Old Trafford.
“Of course I will credit Rashford definitely because he is in great form, but the whole team did well. I think it was a really good team performance.
“We have a lot of character and determination in this team. The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal is so important and that’s what we didn’t do.”
BBC
