Barcelona scorer Raphinha has apologised after showing his frustration at being substituted against Manchester United.
The former Leeds man was handed a start by manager Xavi and went close on a number of occasions before finding the net 14 minutes from time. There was an element of fortune about his goal, a cross which flew straight in as Robert Lewandowski failed to get a touch on the ball, but Raphinha appeared galvanised.
He seemed to feel he had more to offer, if his reaction to his number going up on the fourth official's board was anything to go by. The Brazil international was visibly angered at being withdrawn for Ferran Torres, but has since shown humility after the 2-2 Europa League draw.
“I already spoke to the coach after the game, I took the opportunity to apologise to everyone," Raphinha said after the game.
"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.
"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."
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Barca manager Xavi also spoke about the incident after the game. Rather than hitting out at Raphinha, he sympathised with his goalscorer.
“I understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry," the former Al-Sadd boss said. "I made the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone.
"Now Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn’t have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play more.”
Raphinha, starting on the right for Barcelona with Ousmane Dembele absent through injury, was caught out for Man Utd's second goal. He failed to keep up with Marcus Rashford and the England man's cross was turned into his own net by Jules Kounde.
Barca were able to restore parity on the night, but it came at a cost for the Spanish league leaders. Pedri left the field with a thigh injury before half-time, with reports suggesting he will miss the second leg, while Gavi will definitely not be involved at Old Trafford after picking up a suspension.
United, meanwhile, will be able to welcome back some of their key men for the second leg. Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are due back after bans of their own, while Ten Hag's team will learn in the coming days whether any of their injured first-teamers - including the likes of Antony and Anthony Martial - are fit to play any part.
