The UEFA Europa League offered Barcelona a change for redemption when it comes to continental competitions, but Xavi's team crashed out of the tournament despite having the lead for over 30 minutes.
A scintillating start of the second half by the hosts was enough to see them through to the next round, as Barcelona seemingly had no answer for Erik Ten Hag's moves after the break, which included Antony's substitution and influence in the outcome of the game with his goal.
Things went sideways for Barcelona once again in a continental tournament this season, with the team forced out of the Champions League for their poor performances. To make matters even more complicated for Los Culés, the team is getting used to being knocked out of European tournaments by teams due to their lack of drive when they need to prove their worth.
1 - #Barcelona have just won one of their last 15 games in Europe against teams from the top 5 European leagues (D5 L9), as many defeats as in their 50 previous such games (W31 D10 L9). Fall. pic.twitter.com/6BCmCIBpYM
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 23, 2023
One of Barcelona's main ideas this season was to compete in Europe with a massive investment last summer. Unfortunately, those efforts by their board saw them winning only two clashes out of eight played in both the Champions League and in the Europa League.
After a summer spend of $160M, Barcelona exit Europe with just two wins.
— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 23, 2023
Both came against Viktoria Plzeñ. pic.twitter.com/OpSmKC6es5
The game also ended quite a successful streak for Los Culés when it comes to leading after the halftime break.
37 - Manchester United are the first side since Granada in April 2021 to beat Barcelona having trailed at half time. Indeed, Barca were unbeaten in 37 games in which they had led at the break before tonight. Character. pic.twitter.com/Vv8JPxYq3i
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2023
Last, but not least,this win has also ended a 15-year wait for Manchester United to take the victory home against the Spanish side.
2008 2023
— LiveScore (@livescore) February 23, 2023
Manchester United's first victory over Barcelona in years pic.twitter.com/HHmCVZctJ3