Real Betis will cause the shock of a lifetime if they knock Manchester United out of the Champions League.
The Spaniards aren’t giving up.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini, a former Manchester City manager and fan, is refusing to give in. The Chilean saying before the game “I don’t think a knockout game is ever over” ahead of a first competitive meeting of the sides on Spanish soil.
United have hit a wobble. Their 7-0 thrashing at the hands Liverpool was followed by a 0-0 draw against Southampton.
But crucially in the middle of those games, they beat Betis 4-1.
Pellegrini has lost just one of seven home meetings against United throughout his career (W4, D2) but that was when he had the power of City behind him.
Betis have won just one of their last seven games at Estadio Benito Villamarín, including three losses from their last five matches.
Manchester United have already avoided defeat on two UEL trips to Spain this term (W1, D1).
Erik ten Hag’s men also won all three of their European road trips in the group stage.
Betis forward Borja Iglesias is primed to return here and could be a danger if the tie goes the distance, as five of his 11 goals this season have come from the penalty spot.