Ask Reds fans before kick-off in Spain about what result they’d settle for and many would have been satisfied with 1-1 – in fact, the phrase ‘snap your hand off for a draw’ may have crossed a few lips.
United will be favourites to progress following the return leg at Old Trafford in a week’s time, but the scales could have been tipped more in our favour after a professional first 70 minutes at the Reale Arena.
Much of it wasn’t pretty, especially in the first half, which can best be described as a slow-burner on a tricky, slippery surface.