Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Celta Vigo were 'infinitely superior' to Manchester United - Iago Aspas

Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas has said his side were "infinitely superior" to Manchester United at Old Trafford, despite going out of the Europa League.

Celta drew 1-1 in Manchester to lose 2-1 on aggregate, with John Guidetti missing a late chance to grab victory on away goals in their first major European semifinal.

"We were infinitely superior to United," Aspas told Faro de Vigo newspaper. "We dominated possession but missed some opportunities.

"We, a group of youngsters, forced them to barricade themselves in their home even though they have players that cost €40 million, €50m, and €120m like [Paul] Pogba.

"It was a real shame, that last chance of the game, but it wasn't to be."

Celta had 67 percent of possession and six shots on goal -- two more than United.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero said his "soul returned to his body" after the late chance for Guidetti.

Celta substitute Claudio Beauvue fed Guidetti in the box rather than taking a shot himself, but the striker failed to make a proper connection.

"If I'm honest, I thought Beauvue was going to shoot and that I would dive," Romero told AS.

"But when I saw that he passed the ball, I didn't see that one of their players was there... and as the ball eventually went behind him [Guidetti], my soul returned to my body."

Midfielder Juan Mata told Onda Cero radio: "With the last opportunity that fell to Guidetti, I really saw the scenario as grim. We suffered, but we are through.

"They put a lot of pressure on us and made life very difficult for us. If I was a Celta fan, I would be very proud of my team."

He said United would face another tough challenge in the final against Dutch side Ajax, adding: "Ajax are young but have a lot of talent and they are fast. They will be just as eager as us to lift the cup."

^ Back to Top ^