Real Betis midfielder Andrea Guardado has expressed frustration at his side failing to take their chances against Manchester United.
Betis were beaten 1-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. They needed to score early to put United under pressure, and failed to do so.
The Spanish side did have chances, with Juanmi placing the ball wide when through on goal early in the game.
David de Gea was also sharp in goal to deny Betis, and once Marcus Rashford scored United’s winner early in the second half, Betis’ crowd totally lost belief.
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Betis rue missed chances
Real Betis had a long shot to overturn a three-goal deficit, but they at least wanted to score first and ask the question of Manchester United.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Mexican international Andres Guardado reflected that you just can’t afford to miss chances against Manchester United.
He said: “We had opportunities in the first half to make the tie closer, but we didn’t take advantage of them, and if you don’t hit the many or few you have against these rivals, it’s impossible.
“We are very proud of the team’s effort and with our heads held high, and now to think about La Liga.”
Teammate Joaquin also reacted to the defeat, writing on Instagram: “We gave everything until the end but it couldn’t be.”
Real Betis are fifth in La Liga and yet, were dispatched with relative ease by Manchester United.
Considering the troubles United have had against Spanish teams in knockout competitions over the past five seasons, this two legged 5-1 aggregate victory was a satisfying outcome.
United are now into the quarter-finals, with the draw set to be made on Friday at midday.