Real Betis Joaquin set a record after becoming the oldest player to score in the Europa League. The 41 years old winger scored a terrific goal in a 3-2 win over Ludogorets on September 15, 2022.
The record was previously held by Daniel Hestad, who was 40 years old when he scored in a Europa League game for Molde against Celtic in 2015.
The winger has shown no sign of slowing down and has been a key member of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad.
After 25 minutes on September 15, 2022, Luis Henrique’s header from a Juan Miranda cross gave Manuel Pellegrini’s team the lead.
Six minutes before halftime, Captain Jaoquin doubled Real Betis’s lead by sneaking in from the left to curl an excellent attempt past Sergio Padt into the top right corner.
Before halftime, Kiril Despodov restored parity for Ludogorets, but Sergio Canales’s goal for Real Betis in the 59th minute gave them a two-goal advantage once more.
Rick, a Ludogorets replacement scored with 16 minutes left to set up a thriller. But Real Betis held on to win 3-2 to maintain its early group C lead.
The top five oldest goal scorers in the Europa League in the 2022-2023 season.
1. Joaquin
Joaquin tops the list of the oldest players to have scored in the tournament at the age of 41 years, one month, 25 days.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Manchester United striker silenced doubters after scoring a penalty against Sheriff Tiraspol in a game that was played on September 15, 2022, in Moldavia.
At the time of the goal, the Portuguese star was 37 years old, making him the second oldest goal scorer on the list.
This is Ronaldo’s first goal of the season and he hopes to get more before the end.
3. Oier Sanjurjo
The third on the list is Sanjurjo who plays as a defensive midfielder AEK Larnaca. He scored the only goal in the match in the 33rd minute against Stadio Rennais on September 8, 2022.
His age at the time that he scored the goal was 36 years, three months, and 14 days.
4. Marek Hamsik
The former Napoli midfielder scored for Trabzonspor in a league matchup with Red Star Belgrade. In the 18th minute, he finished off a cross from Trezeguet with a header. He was 35 years old at the time he scored the goal.
5. Enner Valencia
The Fenebarche player scored at the age of 32 on September 15, 2022 when the Turkey team played against Stade Rennais of France in the Europa League. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
What Next for Real Betis?
The Spanish side will welcome Girona on September 18, 2022, as they look to put pressure on Barcelona and Real Madrid who are ahead of them on the La Liga table.
It is going to be an easy win for Real Betis because of their style of play and Pellegrini’s bringing in confidence and good football ideas into the team.
