A footballer from Extremadura is pushing for a starting role against Manchester United after supplying two assists in six Europa League appearances.
Real Betis earned a valuable point at home against Real Madrid, keeping the dream alive for a top-four finish. The Verdiblancos showed grit against the reigning La Liga champions and maintained their belief in a Champions League push despite the recent hurdles.
Coach Manuel Pellegrini faced a tough selection headwind, missing key contributors such as Fekir and Canales. Still, players like Rodri Sánchez stepped up, delivering a performance that stood out against a consistently demanding opponent.
The Talayuela native produced a standout display that earned him recognition as La Liga’s best player of the match. His ability to break through Madrid’s midfield with precise decisions and a high-level defensive work rate helped shape the game, as evidenced by an 88% pass accuracy and decisive ball movement.
Defensively, his effort was equally impressive, covering over 12 kilometers and reclaiming possession seven times while drawing three fouls. Pellegrini publicly praised the midfielder for his contribution in a post-match briefing, underscoring the value of his performance to the team’s balance.
The Under-21 international continues to reaffirm his status as a central figure for the Verdiblanco club, a role he solidified in the recent Mediterranean Games meeting with UD Almería, where he scored and assisted, underscoring his form ahead of the clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Across the Europa League campaign, Rodri Sánchez has emerged as a key starter in four of six games, contributing two assists and demonstrating decisive moments, including the setup for Luiz Henrique at the Stadio Olímpico. Europe remains a stage where he has taken the lead in recent fixtures, and many fans expect him to carry that momentum into the Theatre of Dreams.
Citation: Goal