Manchester United bounced back in style after receiving a mauling at Anfield with a thumping 4-1 win against Real Betis in the Europa League.
It was the redemption of sorts for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as well. The Portuguese, who had a dreadful day at Anfield, scored one had a role in two more in the round-of-16 first leg on Thursday.
The Portugal international raced toward the Stretford End after heading United into a 3-1 lead in the 58th minute and placed his hands over his ears as if to shut out the noise that has followed Sunday’s loss.
Our action-packed highlights video is ready to enjoy! 🍿⬇️#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 10, 2023
“Bruno was fantastic. He led the team with his control of the game and passing and then he scored a goal,” Ten Hag said.
Marcus Rashford scored his 26th goal of the season.
Antony swept a shot into the top corner from distance. And Wout Weghorst, who had faced a backlash on social media for touching the famous “This is Anfield” sign, let his emotion show when firing in United’s fourth.
The game was level at halftime after on-loan Leicester forward Ayoze Perez fired a low shot past David de Gea in the 32nd. Perez was only denied a second when Fernandes’ challenge diverted his shot against the post before the break.
Arsenal held by Sporting Lisbon
Premier League leader Arsenal was held 2-2 at Sporting Lisbon in their Europa League round-of-16 first-leg match.
Hidemasa Morita’s own goal in the 62nd minute salvaged the draw for Arsenal ahead of the return leg at Emirates Stadium next Thursday for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Honours even in the first leg
Back to Emirates Stadium next week 💪 pic.twitter.com/UgXWEv5fua
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2023
“There are things to improve, but we showed a lot of resilience,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
Morita deflected Granit Xhaka’s long-distance drive into his own net.
Arsenal dominated early possession and went ahead through William Saliba. The defender headed in the opener for Arsenal from a corner from Fábio Vieira to capitalize on early pressure in the 22nd.
Sporting equalized with almost an identical reply, as Arsenal’s defence looked vulnerable.
Gonçalo Inácio headed home off a Marcus Edwards corner past goalkeeper Matt Turner 12 minutes after Saliba’s goal.
It was Sporting’s first goal against Arsenal in their fifth encounter in European competitions.
Di Maria scores the winner for Juventus
Angel Di MarAa headed in the winner in the second half to give Juventus a 1-0 first-leg win over Freiburg.
The 35-year-old veteran has scored four goals in his last two Europa League games.
FT | ⌛️ | Half the job done! 💪#JUVSCF #UEL pic.twitter.com/dbE7PwAKgd
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) March 9, 2023
Juventus was without midfielder Paul Pogba who was dropped due to “disciplinary reasons.”
“There are rules within a team like Juventus, and they need to be respected above all by the veterans. To go all the way in a competition, you need as well as technique and quality, more importantly, character and moral strength,” Allegri said.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa sustained a knee injury. He was substituted in the second half, giving Allegri another concern before his team host Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday.
“We’ll see tomorrow (about Chiesa),” Allegri said.
“At the moment, I can say nothing because I know nothing. Di Maria put in an intense performance for 90 minutes. I think he had a cramp.”
