Marcus Rashford's strike earned Manchester United a 1-0 win at Real Betis and a straightforward route into the Europa League quarter-finals as they advanced 5-1 on aggregate.
Erik ten Hag's side did the hard work last week in a crushing 4-1 victory, leaving Betis with a huge mountain to climb in Thursday's second leg at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Betis edged a first half in which both sides hit the woodwork, but Rashford's 27th goal of the campaign completely killed off the tie shortly after the break.
With their slim hopes punctured, LaLiga's fifth-placed side offered little in response as United comfortably booked their place in the last eight.
The sides managed 11 shots between them in the first half, but just one of those efforts was on target – Juanmi, who had earlier shot wide, failing to get the better of David de Gea from a one-on-one.
Joaquin had previously shaved the post with a bending effort from distance, while Facundo Pellistri's volley pinging the upright at the other end brought a lively first half to a close.
United were far more dominant early in the second period and, after having a shot saved by Rui Silva and blazing one over, Rashford made the breakthrough in the 55th minute, picking the ball up 25 yards from goal and sending an effort swerving past Silva, marking his 25th European goal in the process.
Substitute Marcel Sabitzer had a shot saved by Silva as Ten Hag made the most of the opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of an FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
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