Lisandro Martinez has reflected on another win at Old Trafford and highlighted the key factors that contributed to Manchester United seeing out the result.
The Red Devils defeated Real Betis by four goals to one last night, extending their home unbeaten streak to 21 games.
A dominant performance was crucial after the weekend’s humiliating result at Anfield, which also contributed to Erik ten Hag deploying an unchanged starting line-up, as he was seemingly keen on the players proving themselves again in front of the United faithful.
Goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst secured the victory, with Leicester City loanee Ayoze Perez giving the Spaniards hope in the first half with a 32nd-minute goal.
The second leg is next Thursday, March 16 at the Benito Villamarin Stadium. A place in the Europa League quarter-final is up for grabs.
Martinez reacts to first-leg victory
Speaking to MUTV post-match, Martinez said: “[In the first half] they started to play, take the ball; we were not good organisationally as well. In the second half, we [had] the passion, the energy, we showed our mentality and then we created chances and scored.
“It was a great result for us, but we have to keep going, this result doesn’t say anything. It was the first leg and when we go to Betis [Seville] we have to be ready, we have to be focused; especially in their home, they play really well. [But] we are happy [with this win].”
The centre-back then praised two of his teammates’ performances, adding: “He [Antony] is really good, a really good player with a lot of quality, his skills are amazing,” our centre-back added. I’m happy for him because [it gives him] confidence, which is very important, but I’m really happy [with] the job of the team.
“I’m happy for him [Bruno Fernandes] as well. A lot of criticism to doubt him, but it’s like this when you play in a big, big team, that can happen. But you have to be ready, accept, and we have to be happy with where we are.”
