Manuel Pellegrini came into last night’s match at Old Trafford with a strong record against Manchester United, losing only three of 15 games.
He had never managed against Erik ten Hag before. This 4-1 victory was the heaviest defeat he had suffered against United.
Speaking after the game, Pellegrini said his side will not give up despite their deficit heading into the second leg.
He told AS: “We’re going to try, let there be no doubt about it.”
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Pellegrini reacts to defeat
The former City boss had felt that Real Betis had competed well with Manchester United, before two quickfire goals in the second half changed the game.
Pellegrini admitted that Betis were a little fortunate to only concede four goals in the defeat.
He said: “A great goal from Antony and another from a corner ended the game.
“Manchester United played with the confidence of having many goals ahead and from then until the end of the game they were far superior to us. There could be some more goals even.
“They got a very important difference and it was decided in five minutes.”
United had begun the game well with a sixth minute opener from Marcus Rashford but the deluge of goals did not follow, and Betis capitalised with an equaliser.
The next goal was always going to be crucial, and Antony’s 52nd minute curler was followed up by Bruno Fernandes six minutes later.
United attempted 25 shots to Betis’ six and 13 on target to their two. Pellegrini was right that United should really have had more than four goals.
But the 4-1 result was one we would have taken before the game, and is a very healthy lead to take to Spain for the second leg.
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