Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini is confident his team can defeat Manchester United as both sides face off at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg on Thursday night.
The Red Devils overcame Spanish giants Barcelona in the knockout playoffs last time out while Los Verdiblancos finished top of Group C which gave them a straight berth into the Round of 16.
United however come into the match after suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat in the hands of eternal rivals Liverpool at the weekend which Pellegrini says was no surprise to him.
“I missed the other six goals but I understood immediately what would happen,” the former Manchester City manager said. “Because of the rivalry [with Liverpool] and this amount of goals, I knew it would not be easy for them.
“But I was not very sad about what happened. I am a Man City fan as well.
United’s last five European campaigns have also witnessed defeat to Spanish oppositions, including against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford during this season’s Europa League group stage and Pellegrini believes it will serve as extra motivation for his team.
“I cannot know what they think but if Real Sociedad can do it, we can beat Manchester United also,” he added.
HERE. WE. GO.#EuroBetis pic.twitter.com/4hYYetSYwp
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) March 8, 2023
Other high-profile Round of 16 games will see Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Lisbon to tackle Sporting CP while Italian giants Juventus host Freiburg. The most successful Europa League team in Sevilla, will tackle Turkish giants Fenerbahce, and Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma host Real Sociedad at Stadio Olimpico.
