Manchester United hits Betis, Di Maria still wears Juventus

Antony and Bruno Fernandes both scored this Thursday with Manchester United. PHIL NOBLE / REUTERS

Spanked in Liverpool this weekend (7-0), Manchester United raised their heads well. The Red Devils won at Old Trafford against Betis Sevilla (4-1) in Round of 16 first leg of the Europa League. The inevitable Marcus Rashford opened the entry scoring with a heavy shot under the bar (6th), before Ayoze Perez equalized with a nice cross shot from the outside of the right foot (32nd). What make the locals doubt, who put themselves in danger several times on bad reminders from the Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea.

Back from the locker room, Manchester got back on track and killed all suspense in five minutes. The Brazilian Antony first cleared the skylight of Claudio Bravo (52nd) before Bruno Fernandes placed a powerful header, receiving a corner from Luke Shaw (58th). Dutch striker Wout Weghorst added to the bill at the end of the game with a fox achievement from the surfaces (82nd). Something to warm the hearts of English supporters as the snow fell heavily on Manchester.

Juventus can thank Di Maria

Another big name in Europe engaged this Thursday evening, Juventus narrowly won against the Germans of Friborg (1-0). The goal is signed Angel Di Maria (53rd), decidedly in great shape after his devastating hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round. The Argentinian was in the oven and the mill tonight, overcoming the failures of his teammate in attack, Dusan Vlahovic. The Serb was determined but clumsy.

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Freiburg thought of equalizing through Lucas Höler, but the goal was canceled for a handball. Everything remains to be played before the return match. In bad shape in the league and plagued by administrative problems, Juve is counting on Europe to continue to dream.

Sevilla definitely likes C3

Another club in sporting difficulty nationally: Sevilla FC. Jorge Sampaoli’s men are in a worrying 17th place. For them too, Europe is a refuge. The six-time winners of the competition disposed of Turkish club Fenerbahçe (2-0) thanks to goals from Joan Jordan (56th) and Erik Lamela.

Finally, Chakhtior Donetsk and Feyenoord Rotterdam leave each other back to back (1-1). Nothing is played before the return match.