Can you name a better footballing combo than Sevilla and the UEFA Europa League? Spoiler alert: there aren’t many.
On Thursday evening, the six-time winners once again demonstrated their dominance in Europe’s second-tier competition.
After securing a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week with some late heroics, Sevilla crushed Manchester United 3-0 on their home soil, earning a place in the semi-finals.
The La Liga outfit put on a dominant performance, and if anything, the visitors were flattered by the scoreline.
Despite having a plethora of injuries and suspensions, Erik ten Hag’s side put in an inexcusably woeful display.
It’s worth noting that key midfielder Casemiro played the entire 90 minutes on Thursday evening.
However, he was unable to make a positive impact on the game in any way, shape or form, and even picked up a yellow card that now sees him suspended for United’s next European match.
Casemiro was a shadow of the player we’ve seen for most of the 2022/23 season at the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan Stadium.
Perhaps his best contribution of the evening came during the post-match interview, where he was asked whether Sevilla were the Europa League equivalent of his former team, Real Madrid.
Unsurprisingly, Casemiro dismissed the comparison outright.
Video: Casemiro’s response to Sevilla vs Real Madrid comparison
Many believe that Sevilla is in the European League like Real Madrid in Champions League?
Casemiro: “They still have 8 titles to reach Real Madrid.”
The madridismo within him is as strong as it was when he first signed for us.🤍
— Mikael Madridista (@MikaelMadridsta) April 20, 2023
Per Movistar, Casemiro responded: “They [Sevilla] still have to win 8 titles more to reach Real Madrid.”
It’s clear to see that the Brazil international has a deep affection for Real Madrid.
Casemiro spent nine years in the Spanish capital and played a crucial role in Los Blancos’ five out of 14 European Cup victories, including scoring in the 4-1 triumph over Juventus in the 2017 final.
Real Madrid are in the semi-finals of the Champions League again this season, with Casemiro having the potential to compete for a sixth European crown.
However, instead of participating in the semi-finals with his former team, the midfield enforcer will be focused on helping Manchester United secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils are still striving to finish in the Premier League top four, and they will take on fellow contenders Tottenham Hotspur in their next match on Thursday evening.
But before that battle, Casemiro and United have an FA Cup semi-final against high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion to contend with on Sunday afternoon.
It’s going to be an eventful week or so for Ten Hag’s wounded side…