Old Trafford 1998: The Six-Goal Champions League Classic On 16 September 1998, 53,601 spectators at Old Trafford witnessed an unforgettable European clash to open Group D of the 1998–99 UEFA Champions League. Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and Louis van Gaal’s FC Barcelona traded heavyweight blows across 90 relentless minutes, setting the standard for one of the most iconic group-stage fixtures in continental history. United’s Early Blitz: Giggs & Scholes United stormed out of the blocks with direct wing play and penalty-box aggression. Ryan Giggs broke the deadlock on 17 minutes, rising to head home a pinpoint cross from David Beckham. Just seven minutes later, Paul Scholes doubled the advantage, reacting quickest to an initial shot on goal to fire past Ruud Hesp. United closed the opening half in total command with 2 goals scored, 0 conceded, 45 minutes of complete tactical dominance. The Blaugrana Response: Anderson, Giovanni & Enrique Barcelona launched a fierce second-half fi...