Barcelona took a big step towards their first Champions League semi-final in four years as they claimed a slender 1-0 win away to Manchester United, despite a thoroughly underwhelming performance.
Ernesto Valverde’s men were far from their best, with Lionel Messi uncharacteristically quiet, though United failed to make the most of their periods of superiority, and now must win at Camp Nou if they are to progress any further in the competition.
Barca’s positive start saw them produce the only goal, the unfortunate Luke Shaw deflecting a Luis Suarez header into his own net, though United looked bright for the remainder of the first half.
Although that pattern of play resumed after the interval, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side struggled to craft meaningful chances, and as sloppy as Barca were, they successfully held on to a crucial away win.
Barca took the early initiative and led in the 12th minute – Messi picking out Suarez at the back post and his header glanced off Shaw and trickled in.
United improved as the half went on, though David de Gea had to be alert with 36 minutes on the clock, using his left foot to keep out Philippe Coutinho’s effort.
Diogo Dalot should have given United a deserved equaliser soon after, meeting Marcus Rashford’s deep cross and inexplicably putting a header across goal rather than towards it.
United continued to look the better side after the break and wasted another chance early on – Rashford’s close-range volley skewing horribly wide.
Barca remained a threat, though, as Suarez shot into the side-netting after excellent play by Nelson Semedo, before Jordi Alba tested De Gea at his near post.
The visitors were not made to pay for those misses, however, with United’s poor service failing to improve.
What does it mean? It’s the hard way again for United
‘Mountains are there to be climbed,’ as Solskjaer said after losing 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford in the last 16. His team pulled off something resembling a miracle in the second leg to knock out the French champions, and they will have to do similarly at Camp Nou. But Wednesday’s game certainly proved there are dents in the Barca armour.
Semedo a useful outlet
Given the nod ahead of Sergi Roberto at right back, presumably for his pace, Semedo was effective going forward and looked solid at the back. In a game of few standout performers, he was one.
Busquets fortunate to avoid red card
Spain international Sergio Busquets put in a disappointing display, particularly off the ball. He was lured into several cynical fouls and was very lucky not to get sent off, with the referee only showing him a single yellow card.
What’s next?
The second leg at Camp Nou is on Tuesday, but before then United host West Ham and Barca travel to struggling Huesca in La Liga.
