Barcelona and Manchester United stage engrossing four-star first leg

Manchester United and Barcelona staged one for the purists on Thursday, a 2-2 draw serving as engrossing a first leg Europa League clash as you’ll see most years in the competition.

It was a clash of titans at the Camp Nou on Thursday, where Marcus Rashford and Raphinha traded blows in Catalonia.

[ LIVE: Champions League scores ]

United arguably deserved better for most of the match, but will be grateful to emerge even at two as David De Gea made some big interventions down the stretch.

Rashford scored off a Fred assist and then played a big role in Jules Kounde’s own goal as the Red Devils overcame a Marcos Alonso opener. Raphinha set up that goal and then delivered one of his own off a Kounde assist to level the tie in the 76th minute.

Man United’s here as it finished second in its UEL group, while Barcelona fell out of the Champions League in third place from its group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

[ MORE: Champions League score predictions ] 

Rashford, Raphinha put on a show

If legendary club names Barcelona and Manchester United weren’t enough to get you to a screen at 12:45pm ET on a Thursday, their stars made sure early and often that you’d be called to one.

Raphinha — and Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri — were ready to go from the jump for Barcelona, who starred early and late in collecting two goals and relatively-even footing in Europa League playoff tie that will not lean on away goals come the second leg at Old Trafford.

But Marcus Rashford remains in sensational form for United, and Fred joined longtime Barca rivals Casemiro and Raphael Varane in trying to make the heart of the Red Devils’ territory a harrowing place to be for the fluid Blaugranas.

Either team will make its case that it was better in Barca, and the deadlock means the second leg should have must-watch status for next week’s 3pm ET Thursday showdown in England.

Barcelona vs Manchester United player ratings: Stars of the Show

Marcus Rashford: Involved in both goals, as red-hot form moves to ‘the continent’

Raphinha: Leeds export shows how special he can be with better attacking peers

Raphael Varane: If the anti-Real Madrid boos heaved toward Casemiro and Varane bothered the latter, it was not apparent.

Gavi: Special young talent reminds global audience Barca is young and hungry.

Frenkie de Jong: Long-linked with Erik ten Hag, the Man Utd boss will be reminded again of his former pupil’s status as head of the midfield class.

fotmob.com

Marcos Alonso goal video: Ex-Chelsea man lifts Barca Marcus Rashford goal video: Red-hot ‘Rash’ from acute angle Jules Kounde own goal video: Man Utd goes in front Raphinha goal video: Lewandowski dummy fools De Gea How to watch Barcelona vs Manchester United live, stream link, kick off time

Date/Time: Thursday, February 16 at 12:45 pm ETOnline: Live updates via NBCSports.comHow to watch: TUDN, Paramount+

Manchester United team news, lineup options

OUT: Lisandro Martinez (suspension), Christian Eriksen (ankle), Donny van de Beek (knee), Marcel Sabitzer (suspension), Anthony Martial (undisclosed), Scott McTominay (undisclosed), Mason Greenwood (suspension – MORE) | QUESTIONABLE: Antony (undisclosed)

Follow @AndyEdMLS

Barcelona and Manchester United stage engrossing four-star first leg originally appeared on NBCSports.com