Barcelona Blog
Manchester United succeeded in overturning its deficit with a goal to win two goals against Barcelona in the second leg of the 16th round of the European League competition, which was held on Thursday evening at Old Trafford.
With this victory, the Red Devils qualified for the round of 16, and Barcelona was eliminated for the second year in a row.
It’s a great week for coach Erik ten Hag’s side, who will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday before facing West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
After the match, Peter Schmeichel called Bruno Fernandes “stupid” and urged him to “control” after he conceded a penalty for Barcelona in the Europa League.
Fernandez pulled Alejandro Balde in the penalty area to give the Catalans a penalty in the Europa League second leg on Thursday night, which Robert Lewandowski slotted home to put Barcelona 1-0 up at Old Trafford.
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was furious with the 28-year-old Portugal international midfielder while analyzing the match on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It looks like a penalty,” Schmeichel said. It is very stupid to drag a man into the penalty area in a situation where Alejandro Balde runs wide of the goal. I pulled it down. This is just stupid. This is a clear penalty. It’s just a ridiculous and unnecessary move.”
He added, “Balde was walking away from the goal, and he wasn’t going anywhere. Just let him go! The only thing you have to eliminate are the mistakes that decide these big matches. Bruno Fernandes is still arguing [with the referee]. He needs to take control and start focusing.”
He continued: “He played some sloppy passes and now he awarded a penalty kick which was completely unnecessary. He owes the team and he has to control himself.”
