Not every night they are magical. To tell the truth, the week – in European terms – is not smiling especially to the Spanish teams. He FC Barcelona The first leg of the Champions League with a chaotic tie (3-3) before the Inter from Milan in Montjüic. On the other hand, this Thursday, Athletic Club y Real Betis They also played their first envy among the four best in the Europa League and the Conference League, respectively. Sun and shadows: A whole sea of contrasts.
Everything could happen; That was clear. So, while the lions of Ernesto Valverde they suffered a hard wands in San Mamés With a historic defeat (0-3) before him Manchester United that almost permanently moves them away from the final that will host the cathedral, the Real Betis signed an insufficient triumph (2-1) Before the Fiorentina in it Benito Villamarínleaving everything open for the return in Italy. Nothing is written.
Historical rojiblanca nightmare in San Mamés
Athletic Club saw how his dream of reaching the final of the Europa League in his own stadium collapsed in Only Media Party time. The expulsion of Dani Vivian In the 30th minute, after a penalty indicated by the VAR by a defender of the defender to Rasmus Hojlundcompletely changed the course of the encounter. Bruno Fernandes It did not fail from eleven meters and thus placed the 0-2 On the score after the initial goal of Casemirowhich had advanced to Manchester United shortly before.
Until that time, the Bilbao team had tried to stand up to United, with clear chances of Iñaki Williams y Álex Berenguer They made the cathedral dream. However, the numerical superiority and the attachment of the English made the reaction impossible. Harry Maguire -Converted in unexpected assistant from the band- and the lethal connection between Bruno and Manuel Ugarte They disarmed an unrecognizable Athletic, who marched to break with three goals against and the sunk mood.
Manchester United players celebrate Casemiro's first goal (18) | EFE
In the second half, the English team managed with office its wide advantage, touching the Fourth goal with a header to the post of Casemiro. The desperate athetic attempts barely worried Andre Onanexcept an occasion on the discount that Gome He did not materialize. Now, those of Valverde will need a Miracle in Old Trafford to prevent United disputed First European Final since 2017.
A Betis halfway to European glory
On the other hand, thus displacing the focus to Seville, the Real Betis wrote a historical page when playing Your first continental semifinalbut the result left a bittersweet taste. The team of Manuel Pellegrini expired 2-1 to the Fiorentinaalthough he forgave the opportunity to have left the tie Much more on track.
Abde opened the scoring in the minutes 6 With a powerful shot of This is abde that entered after hitting the crossbar, unleashing madness in Benito Villamarín. The Real Betis dominated the first halfcon Isco directing your team and Antony Wasting a clear occasion against. Bartra frame He also had the second in his boots before the break, but his shot left diverted. Everything seemed happiness.
Antony (7), Giovani Lo Celso (20) and Isco (22) celebrate the second goal | EFE
Moreover, after the resumption, Betis continued to tighten and found the effort award in the minutes 60when Antony He signed 2-0 after a great collective play. Villamarín then dreamed of Poland’s final, but Fiorentina did not give up and found life thanks to Luca Ranieri. The Italian cut distances in the minutes 70.
The Verdiblancos claimed a penalty about Lo Celso In the final stretch, but the referee ignored the entire play and the Fiorentina could even tie In a final shot of Rolando Mandragora who left out for few centimeters. The tie will be decided next week in Florencewith everything still at stake.
