Electric was the feeling on the buzzing streets of Barcelona the night of the FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United FC Europa League match. Catalan streets ransacked by Red Devils! Manchester did not show out lightly this evening.

The Flair

Every Irish Pub you could find for miles was packed to the brim with Red shirts. Some even forced to close entry. Meanwhile, the Culés inside the stadium represented their city relentlessly. The energy from both sides clashing was palpable in the heart of the city for this battle as I entered the Shamrock Irish Pub which is located in Raval not far from Plaza de Catalunya.

Immediately feeling the love & joy of the Red Devils; I grabbed a beer. What else would you do? Joyous fans turned tensely passionate when the whistle blew. Chanting & cheering as two giants of Europe battled it out…

Chants echoing throughout the city it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember. The Pub was packed to the brim. Every inch of space filled with red shirts and cheering fans of all ages.

The energy of such a passionate & dedicated group of supporters was exhilerating. Every fan on the edge of their seat as Barcelona and United both attacked early.

A nail-biter with both clubs creating dangerous chances at goal soon after the whistle. Lewandoski looked to strike first at the ten-minute mark, but was stopped well by De Gea. Sancho at the other end reluctantly stepped into his first strike yet nearly bagged a slow-roller off Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s run and pullback from the endline.

Fans were in and out of their seats shouting, cheering and entranced as the wild game raced back & forth. My heart was racing by the time Marcus Rashford blew by Marcos Alonso with a world-class first touch before pulling some outrageous technique out of the locker to send his shot towards Ter Stegen’s back post. Forcing him to produce a top-notch save to keep this one out.

Futbol

Then, when Aaron Wan-Bissaka let the ball run across the Manchester United 18-yard box it was as if time stood still as Jordi Alba intercepted the pass and exploded in De Gea’s direction. Alba looked destined to open the scoring for FCB.

Time moving in slow motion. All eyes glued to the TV. Everyone about to throw their hands on their head, but just as they went to, Wan-Bissaka executed the perfect recovery challenge sending their hands over their heads and into the air in support of the defender. The first half concluded and fans were burning with passion to see their respective sides return to the pitch.

Barcelona struck early in the second half from a corner headed in by Marcos Alonso at the back post in the 49th minute. Pointing to the sky in honor of his late father who also played for the Catalan club.

An emotional moment that rocked Camp Nou side to side as the Culés commended the boy. However, the Red Devils wouldn’t go down without a fight and the fans of United rallied behind the boys in white on the evening.

Putting their trust in the team to perform, and it wasn’t long before a fire was ignited under all those in favor of Manchester. In fitting form, the man of the moment stepped up only a few minutes later.

The Class of Rashford

The fiery feet of Marcus Rashford had everyone up on their toes, and set the room ablaze when he bagged his 22nd goal of the season. Sneaking a smashed shot in at Ter Stegen’s near post from a ridiculous angle after a well-weighted through ball from Fred sent him into the space well in the 53rd minute.

Chants rang through the streets as fans collided with each other unable to control their excitement. The high doubled five minutes later in the 59th minute for United & their supporters when Rashford sent a low-hard cross into the danger zone of the six-yard box.

A short corner from Shaw to Rashford saw Raphinha left for dead as Rashford skinned him for pace before hitting a quality cross low along the six-yard box. The dangerous ball saw Kounde as the victim of this play deflecting off him into his own net.

Sending the Red Devils into a frenzy as United took the lead. 2-1. Drinks splashed through the air. The spirit of Old Trafford raged rampantly around the heart of Barcelona sending a shiver up my spine as the songs of Manchester seized the air.

Fans overflowed with enthusiasm as the two sides rivaled each other to score the next goal. Vigorous offense and rigorous defense characterized the final thirty minutes of the battle. The scoring hiatus resumed when Raphinha whipped in a deep ball towards Lewandoski in the 76th minute, but left untouched flew in at the back post. Heartbreak for the fans in red.

Ecstasy for the fans in blaugrana. Some fans shouting belligerently at the TV whilst others sat in shock in awe at what they’d just witnessed. The final fiteen minutes of the match were so tense as all fans itched for their side to reign victorious on the evening.

Energy ran down to the wire until the final whistle blew. Ending the game in a 2-2 draw between FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Red Devils marched back home feeling confident and in high spirits about the performance, yet felt they deserved more.

Meanwhile, the Culés proudly flooded the streets of Barcelona after the way the club represented their city and fought back. An enthralling Europa League clash left fans & players alike eagerly anticipating the next leg.

And what a next leg it shall be. Taking place in Manchester we’ll see if Barcelona takes over the city this time around. Nonetheless, what an experience in Plaza Catalunya on the evening of Thursday, February 16th.

The passion put on display by United’s supporters was indescribable and one felt around the city. The second leg taking place on Thursday, February 23rd will be one for the history books as each team seeks to rise to the occasion.

Will we see another Rashford masterclass? Will Raphinha terrorize United’s backline once more? Will De Gea or Ter Stegen deny the opposition for the full 90? And will the Culés make the presence of Camp Nou felt around Old Trafford? All questions to be answered this Thursday.

A Game Abroad: Barça vs United

Day Out: Venice

Day Out: Berlin