After two fulfilling Champions League nights, we come back with yet another night of European Football, the UEFA Europa League. The Europa League served up drama, beautiful game memories and breakdowns. Ajax lost to bottom half RJS, Roma and Porto suffering elimination threats, Manchester United’s historical late winner that kept football fans keep wanting more of European football. Let’s dive into the games.
Lazio Secure Round of 16
Lazio were the first team to make their way to the knockout stage, and how they did so was in style. An absolute annihilation of Real Sociedad at Stadio Olimpico. Mario Gira Fuente’s early opener set the pace for yet unforgettable night of the Europa league in a 3:1 fulltime score. This sent a message across Europe for not anyone to rule them out of the Europa League title race. Real Sociedad sit in the 18th spot on the table in Play-off territory.
Bruno Fernandes: The Red Devil’s Angel
Manchester United hosted Scotland Giants Rangers under European Lights. The Red Devils came into this game in struggling form with many dressing room woes. The team’s performance has been poor since manager change but they pulled off a late winner. Bruno Fernandes was the hero of the night; he scored yet another crucial goal that keeps United’s European hopes alive.
Tottenham Triumph in 5-Goal Thriller
London Giants travelled to Germanside Hoffenheim’s home for European Football. The atmosphere at the Prezero Arena dimmed after an early Madisson goal. Tottenham fans weren’t left without exciting moments either, as Heung-min Son proved once again why he is such a valuable player scoring two goals which helped Spurs pip Hoffenheim in an absolute thriller.
Ajax Suffer Shock Defeat
Another key Europa league highlight was the Dutch giants defeat away to a weaker Lativian side RFS in a 1:0 contest. Ajax are currently seated in 16th place with 10points. Whereas RFS has 5 points in 30th place, already eliminated. Ajax cant make it to top and has to qualify for play-off knockouts to secure a spot in semi finals.
Other strong results were that of Bodø/Glimt over Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israel Giants lost 3:1 in a beautiful game of football. AZ Alkmaar snatched a fearless 1:0 victory over AS Roma. Roma is facing elimination threats in 21st place with only one game to go.
Road to Play-offs: The Europa League Race Intensifies
With 19 points, Lazio currently leads the group stage. The next in line are Eintracht Frankfurt and then Athletic Bilbao, while Manchester United stands a fair chance in fifth place. The top 8 teams have not been decided yet with one game week to go. From Lyon(6th place) with 14 points to Belgian side USG (15th place) with 11 points still have a chance to qualify as top 8. The last 12 teams shall be eliminated by natural selection. As we head into the last game week of Europa League, which teams will make top 8?
