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Man Utd make Old Trafford rock again! Winners & losers as Red Devils triumph over Barcelona in Europa League knockout play-off

For the first time in years, there's European belief in Old Trafford. Manchester United overturned an early deficit and roared to life in the second half to beat Barcelona 2-1 (4-3 on aggregate) and advance in the Europa League knockouts. And although it's hardly a marquee competition, United put in an admirable second-half performance to beat La Liga's leaders.

But it wasn't exactly easy. Barcelona went ahead from the spot inside 30 minutes, with Robert Lewandowski converting after Bruno Fernandes pulled Alex Balde to the ground.

Still, Manchester United stayed in it, and enjoyed spells of possession as Barcelona struggled to assert authority on the game in the absence of Gavi and Pedri.

United came alive after the half and got back on level terms within two minutes, with Fred finishing a sweet passing move. They found the winner in the 73rd, when Antony curled a shot into the far corner to make the crowd at Old Trafford rock like it rarely has on European nights in recent years.

Barcelona made a late push, but Raphael Varane cleared Lewandoski's effort off the line deep into stoppage time to avoid any late heartbreak.

So, one dream stayed alive as another ended. Manchester United are already playing in one final, the Carabao Cup, and still have a chance to reach a second. Barcelona, meanwhile, can turn their attention to pushing for a first La Liga title in three years - and that ability to focus on a single task might not be the worst thing.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Old Trafford...

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