Marcus Rashford’s fiery strike from distance earned Manchester United a 1-0 win at Real Betis on Thursday and a 5-1 aggregate victory to send them into the Europa League quarter-finals.
Three-time champions Juventus secured a 2–0 win over 10-man Freiburg, with goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa, to progress 3–0 on aggregate.
Record six-time winners Sevilla lost 1–0 at Fenerbahçe as Enner Valencia netted from the spot, but still qualified 2–1 on aggregate.
Joaquin hit the post for Betis and Juanmi created two clear chances for the hosts as they started well, trying to overcome their three-goal deficit at the lively Benito Villamarin Stadium.
However, Rashford’s superb goal early in the second half belied that view and United saw out the game comfortably as Betis’ energy level dropped.
Manchester United coach Erik ten Haag handed 21-year-old winger Facundo Pellistri his first start for the club in sun-washed Seville after some impressive cameos off the bench.
Antony was unavailable due to illness and Argentina’s Alejandro Garnacho is out for weeks with an ankle injury.
The Uruguayan youngster was immediately involved in an energetic display, overcooking a cross from the right as United put the game straight out of Betis’ reach.
Woet Weghorst threw himself into a corner, fouled by Casemiro, but it was too far for him.
The hosts hit back and sent Juanmi on goal, but the former Southampton forward pulled his shot away from David de Gea’s far post.
Betis came even closer through 41-year-old veteran Joaquin, who crashed a drive just wide of the post.
Xuanmei had another golden chance to pull Betis back into the tie, but was denied by De Gea, who was off his line early.
Pellistri came inches away from putting United ahead before the break, his effort hitting the post and Weghorst was unable to turn it on goal as he fired in.
United took the lead early in the second through Rashford’s thunderbolt.
The forward, in fine form this season, missed two good chances after the break but made a swift recovery with a vicious shot from outside the area which past Rui Silva and headed into the bottom corner.
It was Rashford’s sixth goal of the tournament and his 27th in 43 appearances in all competitions this season.
The United coach took a risk with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who were each a booking away from suspension, but escaped unhurt.
Juventus, via Sevilla
Juventus, leading Freiburg by a goal from the first leg, had taken the lead when Vlahovic struck from close range, but it was ruled out by VAR.
However the Serbian forward broke the deadlock from the penalty spot just before the break after a tackle by Manuel Gulde in the box and was shown his second yellow card.
With Juventus in complete control and Freiburg at a numerical disadvantage, the tie was as good as it got and Chiesa scored a late winner.
Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla, who are struggling badly in La Liga, suffered defeat in Turkey but did enough at home to progress against Fenerbahce and continue their relegation.
Micky Batshuayi was injured early on for the hosts, hurting their comeback bid, but Jorge Jesus’ side took the lead when Alex Telles took the lead in the box.
The veteran Ecuador striker Valencia scored his 24th goal of the season for Fenerbahce.
Sevilla made progress despite pressure from the hosts in the second half, as they looked for a second goal to force extra time.
Feyenoord beat Shakhtar Donetsk 7–1 on the night in De Kuip to progress to the last eight 8–2 on aggregate.
Later on Thursday, Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, while Jose Mourinho’s Roma take a 2-0 lead over Real Sociedad when they travel to San Sebastian.
In the UEFA Conference League last 16, Fiorentina beat Sivasspor 4–1 to win 5–1 on aggregate, while Lech Poznań beat Djurgården 3–0 to win 5–0 on aggregate.
West Ham later hosted AEK Larnaca with a 2–0 lead and Villarreal welcomed Anderlecht after a 1–1 draw with Belgium in the first leg.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)