Real Betis announce squad for United's visit

Wednesday 15 March 2023 13:53

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has named his squad for the Europa League last-16 second leg against Manchester United.

Los Verdiblancos are tasked with overcoming a three-goal deficit during the duel at the Benito Villamarin Stadium on Thursday (17:45 GMT kick-off), following United’s 4-1 win in the first leg at Old Trafford last week.

For the return fixture, Pellegrini has selected a group of 23 players, with one player that started in M16 missing from the list.

Betis centre-back Luiz Felipe will not be involved this time around, having picked up a hamstring injury. 

The Italy international started and played the full 90 minutes at the Theatre of Dreams last week, but Pellegrini will be without his services this time around. 

The 25-year-old is replaced in the squad by teenage defender Felix Garreta, who has made two senior appearances for the club thus far.

That is the only alteration from the Betis group that travelled to Manchester for the first leg. Juan Cruz and Nabil Fekir are injured, while Martin Montoya and Paul Akoujou are ineligible.

REAL BETIS SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers: Bravo, Rui Silva, Dani Martin

Defenders: Sabaly, Victor Ruiz, Pezzella, Abner, Miranda, Felix

Midfielders: Edgar, Guido Rodriguez, Canales, Luiz Henrique, William Carvalho, Joaquin, Guardado, Rodri, Dani Perez

Forwards: Juanmi, Borja Iglesias, Willian Jose, Ayoze, Aitor Ruibal
HOW ARE BETIS APPROACHING THE TIE?

Pellegrini offered an insight into how Real Betis will go about looking to overcome the deficit on Thursday, during his pre-match press conference. 

The former Manchester City boss explained that his side have belief and will “try from the first minute to the last.”
 
“We have to play smart, because we can turn this around,” he told reporters, ahead of the second leg. “Nobody knows how the score is going to be before a game. 

“We’re going to play here with our audience, and everyone’s going to support us. We have to play smart, because we know we can’t score three goals in five minutes. 

“We have to be ourselves and try to avoid making mistakes. Of course, we’re going to try it [to win the tie] from the first minute to the last.”
Pellegrini added: “It’s always going to be different playing away from home than playing here.

“We know from the beginning that we have a big team in front of us. It’s very difficult and we don’t have a [big] chance of qualifying, but we have to try to score the goals we need and to play well from the very first minute. 

“I trust my team and I trust the fans, so we have to try to score.”

With thanks to Florencia Bernasconi for translation.

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