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Manuel Pellegrini is refusing to give up despite Manchester United advantage
Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini is refusing to give up on the UEFA Europa League tie against Manchester United despite suffering a 4-1 loss in the first leg and has urged his team to remain calm ahead of the second leg in Spain.
Real Betis falter for the first time in Europe at Old Trafford
Pellegrini and his Betis side were outclassed at Old Trafford by Manchester United in the first leg of the round of 16 tie, but this has not affected the 69-year-old manager’s optimism as he stated after the game that the tie was not yet over despite the huge deficit.
Pellegrini admitted that the loss against Manchester United was huge and would require an equally huge effort from his players to overturn the first-leg defeat, but he also stated his belief that it was not impossible for his team to claw their way back into the tie when they host the Red Devils at the Benito Vilamarin Stadium in Spain.
Pellegrini believes there is all to play for in the second leg
Speaking after the game, Pellegrini said, "I don't think a knockout game is ever over. It won't be easy. We will try. You have to be calm to try and overcome this situation.
“There is a big margin, but we will give all we can in the second leg."
Real Betis had been unbeaten in the Europa League before losing to Manchester United, topping a group that included AS Roma and Ludogorets. They also entered the first-leg fixture on the back of a respectable 0-0 draw against Real Madrid, so their capitulation at Old Trafford comes as a minor shock.
However, they have no choice but to pick themselves up from the ashes of the defeat and do all that they can to claim a place in the quarterfinals despite the big disadvantage.
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