Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford said he was “confused” by the decision not to award a foul that could have seen Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo sent off in the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie.
Rashford scored his 22nd goal of the season to equal his record for a return in a single campaign and draw Man Utd level at 1-1.
Both sides scored again as the match finished 2-2, with managers Erik ten Hag and Xavi Hernandez both left believing their respective sides might have won.
There was some controversy, as Araujo appeared to deny Rashford a goalscoring opportunity when he took him down just on the edge of the box, a challenge Ten Hag thought should have brought a red card, but instead the defender remained on the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Rashford was content with the performance, saying: “We started the game really well. There was good control and possession.
“We had moments in the first half but not really as many clean cut chances. Just good moments that could have been great opportunities I think.
“From the first couple of minutes putting the ball across the face of goal is a massive chance. It ends up not really a chance because no one was there, but in reality it’s a massive opportunity for us and we just have to gamble more and try and get in front of the goalkeeper, in front of the six yard box for tap ins.
“So yeah, in big games it’s big moments that make the difference.
“I feel like, especially in the second half we took them but in the first half we probably could have done more. But again, like I said, they’re a top team and I think we got what we expected today in terms of their playing style and what they’re good at. It’s a good performance from us and one to build on and improve on.”
On Araujo’s challenge, Rashford said: “At 2-1, yeah I don’t understand why the referee thinks I’m going down in that position.
“If I’ve touched it past him, I’m one-on-one with the keeper, there’s no gain for me to go down at all. Confused by that decision but we have to move on now and 2-2 is a result we can take back. We can definitely take that performance, we have a league game in between, but for the next game we want to bring all that we can.”