The Barcelona and its European Mediocrity
Barcelona has gotten used to living in European mediocrity, being unable to bring any joy whenever they leave Spanish borders. Not even when they manage to subdue a whole Manchester United squad. The 'Red Devils', with more character in the Old Continent, won at the Theatre of Dreams (2-1) and cause another season of disappointment and nightmare for the Blaugrana in Europe.
The European Stigma is Unshakable for Barcelona
Yes, they will continue with a clear path in the league, with a Copa del Rey semifinal on the horizon, and with a Spanish Super Cup already won, but Barcelona is incapable of shaking the European stigma. A curse that goes back seven years, the last time they were European champions, with Neymar, Luis Suárez, and Leo Messi leading the way.
Barcelona's Demotion in Europe
Now it's not just that Barcelona doesn't have any of those three anymore, or any player close to the trident's quality, it's also that they are no longer competing for the 'Champions' League. They have fallen several steps down to a Europa League that doesn't smile at them either. Last year, Eintracht Frankfurt danced around them, and this time, Manchester United completed a comeback at home with goals from Fred and Antony, overturning Robert Lewandowski's goal and leading to another torrent of disappointment.
Moments of Brilliance for Barcelona
Even though, for many minutes, Barcelona diminished the best United of recent years. The English team's strong start derailed when Bruno Fernandes committed a stupid penalty by grabbing Alejandro Balde inside the box.
Lewandowski's Penalty and Barcelona's Favoritism
Lewandowski took the terrible penalty, with the luck that De Gea could only touch the ball, it hit the post, and went in. United lost their inspiration and Barcelona started to take control, reminiscent of when this team used to dominate Alex Ferguson's team.
United's Comeback
It took the break for the English team to regroup and change their formation. The introduction of Wout Weghorst for Antony, with Rashford moving up front, reinvigorated United's attack, and they equalized the match in less than two minutes.
Old Trafford's Energy
The goal uplifted the fans, who felt robbed by the penalty given to Barcelona, and the crowd supported the players while intimidating Barcelona, who still can't handle the pressure of these scenarios.
The Winning Goal for Manchester United
Coach Ten Hag saw an opportunity and brought in the temperamental Alejandro Garnacho, and the Argentine was at the heart of the 2-1. Bruno came in from the goal line and left the ball controlled for Garnacho inside the box. His hasty shot ricocheted off a defender, but Antony was ready. He struck the ball with such force that Ter Stegen couldn't do anything.
A Resigned Barcelona
Once again, Barcelona resigns, just like in Rome, Anfield, or Camp Nou last year. Lewandowski nearly achieved the miracle of an equalizer in added time, but Varane cleared the ball off the goal line, prolonging a dramatic nightmare for Barcelona that has no end.
Europe remains an Unresolved Issue for Barcelona
Europe is still a pending subject, a pressure that Barcelona is unable to overcome. Neither with Xavi nor anyone else.