3-goal comeback against Man United possible

Real Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva insists nothing is impossible as they try to come back from a three-goal deficit in their Europa League game against Manchester United.

United led 4-1 from the first leg in Manchester but Silva, who will be in goal ahead of Claudio Bravo, believes the Spaniards still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals ahead of Thursday’s second leg in Seville.

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“We know there are no impossibilities in football,” Silva told ESPN. “There are many examples of comebacks in the knockout stages of these competitions. It’s true that we have a difficult task ahead of us, we have to be very effective both defensively and offensively, but we can’t stop believing in it.

“We’re playing at home, we’re supported by our fans and we want to make a good impression, even if we don’t get through in the end.”

Silva has shared the job as Betis’ No1 with former Manchester City goalkeeper Bravo this season. Going into the second leg against United, the 29-year-old will meet his friend Bruno Fernandes, who was criticized four times ahead of the first leg against Real Betis after his performance in the 7-0 defeat by Liverpool days earlier.

“Bruno is a great friend and a person I admire a lot, both on and off the pitch,” added Silva.

“Having the opportunity to play against the best is undoubtedly gratifying. Aside from being a fantastic player, he has a great personality. Like the fact that he was made one of the team captains shortly after arriving at United was. That says a lot.”

After losing 4-1 at Old Trafford, Real Betis drew 1-1 at Villarreal on Sunday. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are fifth in LaLiga and remain in the hunt for a place in next season’s Champions League.

“I want to help the club achieve their goal of returning to European competitions next season,” added Silva.

“It would be fantastic for the club to reach the Champions League. Last year we came close to qualifying. But we’re not obsessed with that.”

“It’s been a very positive season so far. Although I’ve only played the vast majority of games in La Liga, I’ve achieved the regularity and consistency I needed to feel confident and able to help the team.”