Manchester United's makeover under Erik ten Hag has a European victory to celebrate as Barcelona lost on a night the Red Devils turned back the clock at Old Trafford.
Fred and Antony's goals in the second half gave United a remarkable victory, defeating the La Liga leaders 2-1 on the night and 4-3 overall.
The fact that United's prize is only a spot in the round of 16 in the Europa League demonstrates that they still have a long way to go before they can recapture their former glory on the European scene.
United is still in the running for four trophies in Ten Hag's debut season in command, but momentum is growing under the former Ajax manager.
Did you read this?
A six-year trophy drought might be over when United plays Newcastle in the League Cup final on Sunday.
United, who haven't won a league title in a decade, are only five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and have advanced to the FA Cup's round of 16, where they will host West Ham.
With Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013, Old Trafford has lost its reputation as a scary place for visiting teams.
But no one is anticipating a trip to the Theatre of Dreams because United remains undefeated at home after 18 games in all competitions.
Strong Conviction'
The humiliating losses to Brentford and Brighton to start Ten Hag's tenure are now a distant memory.
Barcelona joined Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City as notable opponents who recently suffered home defeats.
Ten Hag explained how he pulled United out of the muck of a dreadful 2021/22 season in which they finished sixth in the Premier League: "You need a strategy to build it but also results to get that strong belief."
"That's a step further because, when you beat Barcelona, your confidence may be incredibly powerful because you know you can beat anyone," said the coach.
The United faithful are ecstatic, buoyed not only by the team's performance on the field but also by the prospect of the Glazer family's unpopular ownership leaving.
Bruno Fernandes, the night's captain for United, remarked, "The supporters have been with us in the toughest situations."
They have always been on our side, but this is different. "This season, we have been outstanding.
"You can sense there is something unique between them and us; Old Trafford was bouncing, which is why we got the outcome."
It was undoubtedly United's best performance in a continental match since knocking out Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League's round of 16 in a thrilling game at the Parc des Princes four years ago, despite the Europa League's position as a second-tier competition.
The wait for such a European night played out beneath the lights at Old Trafford dates back to 2008, when it lost in the Champions League semifinals.
"It is clear what the players' implications are. Paul Scholes, who scored the game-winning goal that evening, said, "We haven't seen that in such a long time.
"It's amazing to watch the devotion these men have for Manchester United, especially the way they respond to the audience."
Ten Hag is optimistic that this is just the beginning of United's return to the top tier of European competition.
We can defeat the top teams, he continued. "We beat Liverpool, Arsenal, and City. This team can accomplish much if we focus and work together.
