This opening gambit in the so-called ‘group of death’ had
everything: two teams intent on attacking, memorable goals, a
dubious penalty, a red card and a partisan home crowd in full
voice.
The Reds raced into a two-goal lead inside 24 minutes, courtesy
of a rare Giggs header and a neat Paul Scholes finish, only for
Barça to fight back in the second half and level through Sonny
Anderson and a Rivaldo penalty (harshly awarded against Jaap
Stam).
And still there was no let-up in the attacking. United went back
ahead through a trademark David Beckham free kick, before Luis
Enrique netted the Catalans’ second spot kick of the night,
following a Nicky Butt handball for which he was dismissed.
“Neither team deserved to lose,” Giggs said afterwards. “But
that doesn’t mean we’re happy with a point, especially after
leading for so long.”
United: Schmeichel; G Neville, Stam, Berg, Irwin (P Neville 79);
Beckham, Keane, Scholes, Giggs (Blomqvist 84); Solskjaer (Butt 55),
Yorke
UEFA Champions League
Group D, Matchday One
Old Trafford, Manchester
16 September, 1998
MANCHESTER UNITED 3
(Giggs 17, Scholes 25, Beckham 64)
FC BARCELONA 3
(Anderson 47, Giovanni 60 (pen), Luis Enrique 71 (pen))