Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insists they "dictated the game" after their 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Thursday night.
The result leaves the Europa League playoff evenly poised for the second-leg at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag said "I think we dictated the game, apart from maybe 15 minutes in the first half, we had some difficulties, but in the rest we were dictating the game and we had so many chances. I was a little bit disappointed that at half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored and the opportunities they had we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game. Two attacking teams. I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I really enjoyed the game. In the end [it finished] 2-2, and we have to finish it in Old Trafford.
"We have a lot of character and determination in this team. The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal is so important and that's what we didn't do. Then we turn around when are down, and I also think the refereeing had a big influence in this game. I think it's a clear foul on Rashy. You can discuss if it's in our outside the box, but then it's a red card because he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It's a big influence, not only on this game but in this round, and referees can't make such mistakes."
On the performance, he continued: "Of course I will credit Rashford definitely because he is in great form, but the whole team did well. I think it was a really good team performance.
"It's not only about Wout [Weghorst], but he did well in that position. But it gives a lot of variation but also I want Jadon [Sancho] and Bruno [Fernandes] getting in the half-spaces and get them on the ball and also make runs from deep. With the full-backs joining in we had a lot of chance and a lot of opportunities and we should have won this game."