ManU, Barcelona’s Europe League Playoff Hangs in Balance, Thrills 1st -Leg Draw At Nou Camp.

Manchester united and Barcelona Europe League playoff has hanged in the balance after thrilling first-leg draw at Nou Camp when Barcelona fought back to earn a 2-2 draw on Thursday.

Having previously met in two Champions League finals - both of which Barca won - the sides are trying to reach those heady heights again.

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This encounter in Europe's secondary competition was another step on that road back to the top.

Xavi's men grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha's corner, but United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashford as he slipped in a finish at the near post.

Erik ten Hag's side showed their resilience to turn the game around as Rashford's cross was then turned into his own net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.

But United were unable to hold on as ex-Leeds winger Raphinha's cross from wide on the right sailed all the way into the net.

Barca, though, almost snatched a late victory when Casemiro's attempted clearance struck his own post, but little separated the sides heading into next Thursday's second leg at Old Trafford.

The two fallen giants of European football are rebuilding their reputations this season.

They meet at this juncture after Barca went out of the Champions’ League group stage for the second consecutive season, while United's second-place finish in their Europa League group provided this extra play-off to navigate.

United suffered a 3-0 defeat on their last visit to Barcelona under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019, but the measure of their recent revival showed as they went toe-to-toe this time and almost came away with a famous victory.

Manchester United will be hosting Barcelona on Thursday before playing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final the following Sunday.