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Barcelona player ratings vs Man Utd: Raphinha scores equaliser but Xavi's men settle for point in Europa League play-off first leg

Thomas Hindle
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Raphinha Barcelona Manchester United 202-23
Raphinha was a menace while Jules Kounde endured a night to forget as Barcelona settled for a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Camp Nou on Thursday.

The spoils were shared in a gripping contest as Barca and Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League knockout play-off.

Barcelona took the lead early in the second half as Marcos Alonso nodded home from a corner. But the visitors swiftly turned things around, with Marcus Rashford lashing into the net from a tight angle before seeing his cross deflected off Jules Kounde a few minutes later.

The Blaugrana found an equaliser when Raphinha's angled cross curled past the moving legs of Robert Lewandowski all the way into the far corner to set up a tantalising second leg at Old Trafford next week. They came painfully close to finishing the comeback with a late winner but were disappointed when several close chances went unconverted.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the 2-2 draw...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

    Made some vital saves in the first half, but should have stopped Rashford's equaliser.

    Ronald Araujo (7/10):

    Made a surprise switch to right-back, and was mostly solid. Looked even better after being moved to central defence.

    Jules Kounde (4/10):

    His passing was loose early and he struggled to contain Rashford in the second half. Ended a poor evening by turning the ball in to his own net.

    Marcos Alonso (7/10):

    Unexpected inclusion over Andreas Christensen. Equipped himself well with a goal and solid defensive showing - although he could have done better on United's first goal.

    Jordi Alba (6/10):

    Very energetic, solid defensively, but his final ball was lacking.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Franck Kessie (6/10):

    Did a lot of dirty work, didn't contribute much in the final third. Agreeable until substituted.

    Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

    The deepest lying Barca midfielder on the night. Fantastic in the first half, positionally outclassed in the second.

    Pedri (5/10):

    Enjoyed some nice spells, got into the box regularly but was substituted due to an injury after 42 minutes.

  4. Attack

    Raphinha (8/10):

    Offered a real spark on the left-wing. Quick, tricky and got himself a goal. Unlucky and very unhappy to be substituted with 10 minutes to play.

    Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

    Uncharacteristically loose in front of goal, but did almost lob De Gea with a clever header. Will be more of a threat in the second leg.

    Gavi (6/10):

    Back into his modified left-winger role and turned in a mixed performance. Tricky in the final third, also picked up a silly yellow card that will see him suspended for the second leg.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Sergi Roberto (5/10):

    Brought on late in the first half for the injured Pedri, and proved exactly why Pedri starts over him.

    Andreas Christensen (6/10):

    Replaced Alonso and offered much-needed composure at the back.

    Alejandro Balde (6/10):

    A puzzling introduction for the attacking left-back, considering Barca were in dire need of defensive support at the time.

    Ansu Fati (6/10):

    Lively, but missed a good chance.

    Ferran Torres (N/A):

    No time to make an impact.

    Xavi (7/10):

    Took a risk by starting Alonso at centre-back, but it mostly paid off. Will be happy that his team got an equaliser but unsatisfied with the result.