Manchester United’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Barcelona did not start well.
The Blaugrana (or neon yellows, as it was), opened the scoring a dozen minutes into the match at Old Trafford on Tuesday thanks to some interplay from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez — and some help from the Video Assistant Referee.
In the 12th minute, Sergio Busquets found a streaking Lionel Messi with a nice lob over the Manchester United defense. Messi controlled the ball, but his touch took him away from goal. So instead of shooting, the Argentine sent a perfect cross to the back post where Suarez was left wide open.
Suarez headed the ball back across goal where it was may have bounced off Luke Shaw before going into the back of the net.
Initially, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, with Red Devils fans nearby laughing at Suarez for celebrating a disallowed goal. But the Uruguayan would have the last laugh.
VAR intervened and, because it Suarez was pretty clearly onside, the call was quickly reversed and given as a goal. 1-0 Barcelona.
Regardless of whether it’s given as an own goal to Shaw or a header from Suarez, it was a perfect start to get an away goal for Barcelona, which bossed possession early.
Aside from a free kick from Marcus Rashford that zipped just off target and another long, wayward shot from the young No. 10, United didn’t create much in the opening 20 minutes.