Man Utd and Barcelona form one of the greatest rivalries of the European football.
Throughout history, Manchester United and Barcelona have faced each other in some of the most unforgettable clashes in European football.
With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and a fierce competitive spirit, it’s no surprise that their matches have produced some of the most thrilling moments in European competitions.
Let’s take a look at the top five fixtures that have made their mark on this historic rivalry.
5- Manchester United 3-0 Barcelona (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final, 1983-84)
Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit from the first leg to beat Barcelona 3-0 in the second leg of their 1983-84 Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final campaign.
Barcelona were so confident of their victory after winning the first leg at Camp Nou 2-0 that they brought only a few supporters with them. However, United’s comeback, featuring a memorable brace from Bryan Robson, turned the game on its head and left Maradona and the rest of the Barcelona team shell-shocked.
4- Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final, 1990-91)
Manchester United won their first European trophy in 23 years after defeating Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ in the 1990-91 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final.
Despite being technically inferior, Alex Ferguson’s side dominated the proceedings, with Robson being the architect of both goals. Although Les Sealey’s own goal provided some late drama, United held on for victory, giving their fans a night to remember in Rotterdam.
3- Manchester United 3-3 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League group stage, 1998-99)
In the 1998-99 UEFA Champions League group stage, Manchester United and Barcelona played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Rivaldo delivering an outstanding performance for the Spanish giants.
The Brazilian scored two equalizers, hit the bar from 30 yards out, and almost produced a late assist for Giovanni, but United ultimately went through alongside Bayern.
2- Manchester United 1-3 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League final, 2011)
In the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, Barcelona faced Manchester United for the second time in three years. Guardiola’s side produced one of the most one-sided finals of the modern era, giving United a footballing lesson from the first minute to the last.
Barcelona danced past their opponents with ease, and even Sir Alex Ferguson had to admit that they were the better team. Despite Wayne Rooney’s second-half goal, the Catalan giants comfortably won 3-1, with Messi, Villa, and Pedro all getting on the scoresheet.
1- Manchester United 0-2 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League final, 2009)
In the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, Manchester United faced a dominant Barcelona team led by the legendary Pep Guardiola. Despite starting the match strongly and pinning Barca back in their own half, United were undone by goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi, who scored a header from Xavi’s cross.
Xavi and Andres Iniesta controlled the midfield, leaving United’s Michael Carrick to rue their domination after the match. United’s defeat was the beginning of Guardiola’s era of dominance at Barcelona.
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