Raphinha's curled delivery into the box is met by a Manchester United boot in the box and then cleared from the edge of the area. Not a great free-kick.

And now Barca have a free-kick in the United half as Alejandro Balde's brilliant run is ended by a push from Fred.

Image source, Getty Images

Peter Schmeichel
Former Manchester United goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

It was nice to see the referee to give a free-kick. I can understand what he is doing, because he wants to give the game a bit of flow but when it is a blatant foul he has to give it.

Bruno Fernandes curls the free-kick towards Wout Weghorst but he is beaten in the air, which really shouldn't happen.

This is a free-kick. Franck Kessie takes down Casemiro inside the Barca half.

There's quality oozing from both these sides. Most touches are clean, the passes crisp. Classy stuff.

The first contest between Raphael Varane and Robert Lewandowski is won by the former as he dummies and turns safely away from the pressing forward.

This has set off at a fair old lick. It's suggesting the billing may well be lived up to.

Marcus Rashford gathers and goes down on the edge of the box. There is no foul awarded, but there should have been. Sergio Busquets clattered him.

Peter Schmeichel
Former Manchester United goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Precisely what Manchester United need. A couple of attackers flying in after Casemiro intercepts the ball.

Bruno Fernandes is through in a one-on-one but Marc-Andre ter Stegen keeps his cool, waiting and waiting and makes a good save from Fernandes' shot.

Raphinha loves a goal against Man Utd. It was he who netted the leveller and he is in the hunt again.

He cuts inside and curls a shot off target.

"We all hate Leeds scum" comes the response from the home fans, remembering his very fine time across the Pennines.

Big chance! Big save!

Casemiro fires a superb pass out to the right to send Bruno Fernandes in on goal. He carries the ball to within 10 yards but his shot at goal is straight at the Barca keeper and saved.

1-0 to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Yep, he's grand. We crack on.

There is a yelp of pain from Jules Kounde as he takes a knock on the touchline. It comes from Marcus Rashford to his shin.

I think he'll be OK, though.

sam: Genuinely can’t call a winner tonight, two teams in great form neither deserves to lose at this stage in this competition but Barca sadly must go.

This is some atmosphere. A mighty roar greeted the kick-off and the noise has only subsided a bit since.

Home boos greet the first touches from the away side.

Manchester United v Barcelona. European royalty. It's a Champions League fixture in a Europa League suit and it is now under way.

Bring on the goals.

Simon Stone
BBC Sport at Old Trafford

There is definitely a buzz around Old Trafford tonight.

Manchester United and Barcelona are two of the biggest names in the game and no matter what problems they have had, that is what they remain.

Nevertheless, this match will decide who goes through to the last 16 of UEFA's second ranked club competition.

The team sheet proclaims 'the Road to Budapest'. It's a long way to the final in every sense.

Image source, Getty Images