Manchester United Outclass Real Betis, Arsenal Held by Sporting Lisbon

Manchester United bounced again from a historic thrashing by Liverpool to beat Real Betis 4-1 within the first leg of their Europa League final 16 tie on Thursday, whereas a 2-2 draw away to Sporting Lisbon gave Arsenal work to do to succeed in the quarter-finals.

United equalled their heaviest ever defeat and worst since 1931 in shedding 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

Erik ten Hag responded by naming the identical beginning line-up and was rewarded with a return to type.

“You see how a workforce reacts after a setback,” said Ten Hag. “This is not the first time this season, I think you see five or six times we can reset and bounce back. This team has character so a big compliment to the team.”

Marcus Rashford smashed United into an early lead along with his twenty sixth purpose of the season, however Betis levelled towards the run of play when Ayoze Perez fired into the far nook.

It was two of United’s most fiercely criticised stars in current days who made the distinction after the break.

Antony curled a superb shot into the highest nook earlier than Bruno Fernandes, who Ten Hag named once more as captain, headed in Luke Shaw’s nook.

“Bruno was sensible at this time,” added Ten Hag. “He led the team from the first minute by his game in possession, making the rhythm of the game and scored a goal so I am happy.”

Wout Weghorst then netted simply his second purpose in 15 appearances for United by pouncing from shut vary six minutes from time.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been pressured to return from behind to salvage a draw within the Portuguese capital.

Despite going for a primary league title in 19 years, Mikel Arteta named a robust facet and William Saliba headed the guests into the lead.

Sporting equalised shortly after in close to similar vogue, with Goncalo Inacio heading house Marcus Edwards’ nook.

Former Tottenham midfielder Edwards then had a task in Sporting’s second as Paulinho reacted quickest to complete inside the realm.

Arsenal have been degree simply after the hour mark, although, when Granit Xhaka’s cross deflected off the unlucky Hidemasa Morita and rebounded into his personal internet.

“Considering you concede two objectives away from house and nonetheless escape with a draw it’s important to take some positives,” said Arsenal boss Arteta.

“But we gave them too much hope by giving the ball away in our own half too many times.”

– Advantage to Italian giants –

Juventus will take a slim result in Germany subsequent week after the in-form Angel di Maria scored the one purpose in a 1-0 win over Freiburg.

Jose Mourinho’s Roma are additionally on track for the final eight after objectives from Stephan El Shaarawy and Marash Kumbulla noticed off Real Sociedad 2-0 on the Stadio Olimpico.

Six-time winners Sevilla could also be preventing a relegation battle in La Liga, however are all the time a risk within the Europa League and can take a 2-0 first leg lead over Fenerbahce to Istanbul subsequent week because of objectives from Joan Jordan and Erik Lamela.

The recreation of the night time noticed Bundesliga shock bundle Union Berlin snatch a 3-3 draw towards Union Saint-Gilloise regardless of having trailed 3 times.

Bayer Leverkusen beat Ferencvaros 2-0 at house, whereas Shakhtar Donetsk and Feyenoord performed out a 1-1 draw.

In the UEFA Conference League, Michael Antonio hit two first half objectives to earn West Ham a 2-0 win at AEK Larnaca.

Villarreal have been held 1-1 away at Anderlecht, whereas Nice and Fiorentina took 1-0 leads over Sheriff Tiraspol and Sivasspor respectively.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)