credit: Twitter
Spanish giants FC Barcelona held Premier League side Manchester United on a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa League 2022-23 on Thursday. Brazil forward Raphinha, who scored the equalizer against the Red Devils, showed his frustration after being substituted by coach Xavi Hernandez with seven minutes remaining into the game.
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The Thursday's Europa League playoff fixture between Barcelona and Man United was a roller coaster ride as the hosts took a lead after five minutes into the second half with defender Marcos Alonso breaking the deadlock with his towering header followed by Marcus Rashford's spectacular equaliser two minutes later.
After seven minutes of levelling the score, Man United produced a dangerous move initiated by Rashford, who launched a teasing ball into the box that hit Barca defender Jules Kounde before finding the back of the net. In the 76th minute, the 26-year-old Brazil forward scored the equalizer for the Catalan giants to avoid a defeat at their home. With the draw, Man United snapped Barcelona's 11-game winning streak across all competitions.
Watch Raphinha's goal:
Later in the 83rd minute, Barca boss Xavi substituted Raphinha with Ferran Torres and the Brazilian showed his frustration on the bench by punching the seat as teammate Jordi Alba intervened and tried to calm him down.
Watch the video here:
Raphinha's reaction to being replaced by Ferran Torres in the 83rd minute.
The frustrated Brazil forward was being consoled by Jordi Alba.
After the game, Raphinha said, "I already spoke to the coach after the game, I took the opportunity to apologise to everyone. To the coach again, to Ferran, who was going to take my position, to the team, to the fans. But there are times when we really want to be on the pitch to help the team win."
He added, "We are human beings and we all have moments that we cannot control. I know that I made a mistake and I am here to apologise to everyone and it won’t happen anymore."
Xavi also talked about the incident and said, "I see and understand Raphinha's anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone. Raphinha has apologized to me but he didn't have to. I see it as positive that everyone wants to play."
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