Erik ten Hag's Manchester United beat Barcelona in their Europa League knockout play-off on Thursday night with Brazilian teammates Fred and Antony on target
11:20, 24 Feb 2023Updated 13:14, 24 Feb 2023
Manchester United will play Real Betis while Arsenal take on Sporting Lisbon in the last-16 of the Europa League.
The Red Devils beat Barcelona over two legs in their knockout play-off, drawing 2-2 with Xavi's side at the Camp Nou before coming from behind to beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Robert Lewandowski put the away side ahead from the penalty spot after Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have pulled down Alejandro Balde in the area. After a stuttered run, the Poland international fired past David de Gea who got a hand to the ball and very nearly kept the effort out.
Erik ten Hag switched things up in the second half, moving Marcus Rashford back into a central position and introducing the big-money summer signing from Ajax, Antony, to the action.
And the reaction was immediate, with Fred putting in the performance of his life and equalising for the Red Devils before Antony sealed the win 15 minutes before the end.
"It was a magnificent night," said Ten Hag after beating Barcelona. "I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona, eight points ahead of Real Madrid in LaLiga and we have seen in this week Real Madrid playing.
"We have the potential to beat the big teams, we have shown we can beat City, we can beat Arsenal, we can beat Liverpool. If we do the right things, if we follow the rules, if we follow principles and show discipline and team spirit, I think this team can achieve a lot.
"You need a strategy to build that but also you need results to get that strong belief. I think this is another step because when you can beat Barcelona – one of the best teams in this moment in Europe – your belief can be really strong because then I think you are able to beat anyone."
Arsenal had already booked their place in the last-16 and learnt this Friday that they will now face Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon over two legs.
Man United meanwhile, face another trip to Spain to take on Real Betis.
Europa League last-16 draw in full
Union Berlin vs Union SG
Sevilla vs Fenerbache
Juventus vs Freiburg
Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal
Manchester United vs Real Betis
Roma vs Real Sociedad
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord