Sevilla – Manchester Utd

The Spaniards will not be able to pull off a miracle in the return meeting with the English top club either

Spain's Sevilla have won the Europa League and its predecessor, the UEFA Cup, six times in the last eighteen seasons, making them the most decorated team in the history of the continental competition. In the first quarter-final encounter of the current campaign at Old Trafford, the Andalusians once again shone with their magic. In the first half, Manchester United dominated the field and scored two unanswered goals against the Spanish club. It looked as though, having beaten Barcelona and Betis in the last stages of the Europa League play-offs, Manchester United would have an even bigger advantage against Sevilla than they had against their previous opponents from the Primera Liga. However, in the 84th and 92nd minutes, Malacia and Maguire both netted own goals that allowed the Andalusians to go home with a comfortable away draw. Ahead of the return leg, bookmakers continue to regard Eric ten Hag's side as favorites, with odds of 2.05 offered on their victory. Sevilla are in the bottom half of the table in the national championship, with no chance of reaching the Eurocup zone. The current level of play of the Andalusian team can be considered the worst in the last decade. Given that Sevilla lost both of their away games against PSV and Fenerbahce in the last stages of the Europa League play-offs, nobody in Manchester would have expected the Spaniards to be so quick. Another thing is that in the return leg, the English club will exclude a loss of concentration and a potential desire to play for victory "with little blood". In the English league, the club from Manchester City continue to fight for a place in the top four. Eric Ten Hague's side have been in contention for the league title for some time now, but a series of setbacks have corrected their plans. Despite their most epochal goals in the Premier League, Manchester United look like a very strong team in 2023. Playing in four tournaments in parallel, the Red Devils have taken to the pitch 26 times in the period, losing only three times. It is worth noting that all the defeats were away defeats, and the opponents were clubs who are vastly superior to today's Sevilla: Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. Manchester United will learn from last week's setback to beat their Spanish rivals.