An unfortunate own goal from Luke Shaw handed Barcelona the advantage in their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.
The Spaniards did just enough to edge an Old Trafford encounter that failed to live up to its billing.
Lionel Messi was inevitably involved in the 12th-minute opener. A dinked cross to the back post found Luis Suarez, whose downward header hit Shaw on its way into the net.
Philippe Coutinho was denied a second by a superb block from David De Gea, who also saved well from Jordi Alba and Messi’s free kick.
United failed to have a shot on target, with Marcus Rashford sending efforts off target, and will face a tough test in next week’s return leg.
UNITED MAY RUE MISSED OPPORTUNITY
With Shaw deployed in a three-man central defence, it was a move by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that didn’t pay off despite the close result.
It might have helped provide additional defensive protection, but the bullish words of taking Barca on, to fight fire with fire, proved somewhat hollow.
As Messi and Coutinho often went deep and looked to counter, United, at times, had three defenders marking one forward, or five against three, when the visitors were there for the taking.
Through these unnecessary changes, United were also deprived of Shaw’s runs down the left where Diogo Dalot was stationed instead.
With his energy, the impressive Dalot would perhaps have been better suited to the right-back role where Ashley Young was often wasteful with crosses from promising situations.
Another clear area of concern was up front where Romelu Lukaku was too static at centre forward and had just 20 touches, one more than De Gea, which is appalling for a player of his calibre.
Anthony Martial should have been there at the start to provide support for Marcus Rashford and the pace and trickery that could have unnerved the Barca backline a bit more and maybe produced a shot on target.
Their only home goal in this competition this season has come from Marouane Fellaini and that says it all.
You just can’t afford to be so sloppy, nor scared, against a side of this quality and that’s what United were.
They needed to play to their strengths, to perform at their best to overcome Barca. Perhaps this is as much as they can give right now, but they might rue their tactics and a missed opportunity.
A difficult night at Old Trafford but we'll be back. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/2faHz22UVM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 10, 2019
BARCA BELOW PAR
This was not the brilliant Barca that had been talked up as Champions League favourites. Far from it.
Confident in their approach, but uncomfortable when pressed and hurried into mistakes.
With Messi strangely muted apart from his assist for the opener – and still yet to score in a quarter final since 2013 – they were frustrating rather than fearsome.
A focus of this was in midfield where Sergio Busquets particularly came under pressure.
Twice he made desperate, and late challenges, to stop United attacks and was fortunate not to see red instead of getting one yellow.
He was exposed, targeted as a weak link, and it is no surprise that Barca have turned to Frenkie de Jong as successor to someone who has been a great servant, but not as good as he once was.
Yes, he plays simple passes, keeps things ticking, but Barca should be looking for more – and will need more if they are to lift the trophy again.
Head coach Ernesto Valverde chose to replace Arthur and Coutinho to bolster this area with Arturo Vidal and Sergi Roberto, but Busquets could easily have been sacrificed.
Better teams will take greater advantage.
4 - Barcelona's four Champions League victories against Man Utd have all come at different stadiums - Camp Nou, Stadio Olimpico, Wembley and Old Trafford. Variety. #MUNBAR
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 10, 2019
HE’S SCOTT A LOT OF TALENT
With Nemanja Matic injured and Ander Herrera seemingly set for Paris Saint-Germain this summer, this was an opportunity for Scott McTominay and Fred to press their claims for starting spots.
And their performances will offer Solskjaer much to ponder about his transfer strategy for next season.
This is only McTominay’s second Champions League game this season. The first was the remarkable 3-1 win at PSG that got them to this stage.
He may not be a big name, but his ability belies his 22 years and lack of experience on this stage.
He showed confidence, courage and the commitment to curb the threat of world-renowned players in the opposition ranks.
Fred looks to be growing with every game, too. The Brazil midfielder lacked trust and opportunities under Jose Mourinho, but a fresh start under Solskjaer has allowed him to repay the faith and flourish.
With timely tackles to break up play and a positive approach to push forward, he could benefit most from the departure of Herrera and offers similar attributes.
One early pass almost released Rashford clear, but the forward failed to control the ball. There is room for improvement, but also hope for the future.
