Manchester Utd 2-1 Barcelona – UEL Betting Review
Match Summary
Thanks to a magnificent and commanding second half showing at Old Trafford, Manchester United came from one goal down to win 2-1 against Barcelona. With the impressive comeback victory, the English side moves on into the UEFA Europa League final 16.
Antony got the brilliant 73rd minute winner as Manchester United sent Barcelona packing on the night. The Spanish had begun fairly well and went ahead from a soft penalty.
For Barcelona it has been a season to forget in Europe. This was their first defeat of the calendar year and a sad result to take them into Thursday evenings Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Straight from kick-off it was evident United wanted to be more direct but they didn’t click as well as they did in Barcelona.
Wout Weghorst was up top and Jadon Sancho in the No 10 role. Early on the host were superior as Bruno Fernandes low shot was well saved by Marc-André ter Stegen. From there however United lost momentum.
Alejandro Balde started to get forward in neat Barcelona attacks and thanks to a naïve foul by Bruno just inside the area, Barcelona went ahead from the spot on 14 minutes
David de Gea got a strong hand to Robert Lewandowski’s stuttering spot-kick, but there was just enough power for 0-1.
Barcelona controlled the remainder of the half and just before half time, Casemiro made a huge double block to prevent 0-2.
Ten Hag had to make changes for the second half, and it all clicked perfectly, with the team more fluid and higher tempo.
Fred took two great touches in the box, the first controlling and the second a right footed effort beyond Ter Stegen. United had the crowd behind them and started to smother Barcelona.
The Catalan giants almost struck again against the run of play from Jules Kounde, whose header forced De Gea into an eye-catching reflex save.
On an excellent move, Manchester finally converted the second goal to win the match. Antony found impressive composure to side foot into the bottom corner, sending Old Trafford wild.
The result extends Barça’s recent misery in England, they will rue the flat second half once United turned up the heat.
For Ten Hag it was a fantastic result, and he takes credit for making the right changes and the right subs. He outwitted Xavi who had the face of a beaten mad the moment it was 1-1.
United will be forced to move on quickly and can look forward to Sunday’s Carabao Cup final full of confidence on the back of this win.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. The favourite for the game was Man Utd and they won for backers @ 2.35.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Manchester Utd showed they had the edge based on the first leg and got a full win for punters that followed them Man United -0.25 is @ 2.02.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting where I was surprised to see the line was set so low (2.5). This view was based on the goals and number of chances of the highly entertaining first leg. Over 2.5 won @ 1.85.
