Barcelona and Manchester United were forced to share the spoils after playing out to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the Europa League play-off first leg on Thursday evening.

Marcos Alonso put Barcelona in front with a header, but Marcus Rashford equalised for the visitors and assisted in a Jules Kounde own goal that put United in front.

Barcelona leveled the score with a header off Raphinha’s cross, and they had a chance to win after hitting the post late in the game, while the hosts demanded a penalty after Fred appeared to handle the ball in the box.

The teams captained by Xavi Hernandez and Erik ten Hag are two of the hottest teams in Europe, and they put on a remarkable show.

Having met twice in Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011, this Europa League match was an exciting examination of each team’s recent development.

“(We should have been) more clinical finishing chances,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“The disappointment is we didn’t score them, we should have scored a minimum of four goals.”

The coach also complained about an unpunished foul by Kounde on Rashford on the edge of Barcelona’s penalty area.

“We can discuss if it was in the box or outside the box but it’s definitely a red card,” added Ten Hag.

“I asked the referee why. He said it was outside the box and not a foul. The linesman and referee were in a very good position and we have the VAR. I think it was a really bad decision.”

Xavi argued that Barcelona should have been awarded a penalty for Fred’s handball.

“It’s a stolen penalty,” said Xavi.

“I don’t know why they don’t whistle for penalties for handball now. It seems incredible to me. Incredible.”