When Manchester United landed here in Seville just a month ago, progress in the Europa League felt like little more than a formality.
A three-goal lead from the first leg at Old Trafford meant that victory over Real Betis and a place in the quarter-finals was all but assured. Erik ten Hag had the luxury of resting players and giving a full debut to young winger Facundo Pellistri as United closed out a 5-1 aggregate win.
Ten Hag and his squad would have been in an equally comfortable position when they returned to the Andalusian capital on Wednesday were it not for that dramatic implosion in the 2-2 draw with Betis’ neighbours Sevilla at Old Trafford a week ago when two late own-goals by Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire handed the Spaniards a way back into this tie.