UEFA Europa League

Manchester United emphatically beat Club Brugge 5-0 in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 encounter on Thursday. 

The 6-1 aggregate victory sees the Red Devils into the next round after goals from Bruno Fernandes, Odion Ighalo, Scott McTominay and a brace from Fred.

Arsenal crashed out of the competition after losing 2-1 at home to Olympiacos, and the Greek side advanced on away goals.

Wolverhampton Wanderers progressed 6-3 on aggregate despite losing Thursday's second leg 3-2 at Espanyol.

Ajax are also out after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Getafe, while Celtic were eliminated by FC Copenhagen.

                  

Thursday's Results

⏰ RESULTS ⏰

✅ 15 teams confirmed for round of 16

Biggest shock tonight? 🤔#UEL pic.twitter.com/28cHK4JQxv

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 27, 2020

                   

Confirmed Teams in the Round of 16

👇 15 confirmed teams for the last 16:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Rangers
🇮🇹 Roma
🇩🇪 Wolfsburg
🇦🇹 LASK
🇨🇭 Basel
🇩🇪 Leverkusen
🇹🇷 İstanbul Başakşehir
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Wolves
🇺🇦 Shakhtar
🇮🇹 Inter
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Manchester United
🇬🇷 Olympiacos
🇪🇸 Sevilla
🇩🇰 Copenhagen
🇪🇸 Getafe#UEL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 27, 2020

                         

Winners and Losers

Winners: United's New Signings

The Red Devils flexed their muscles against Brugge at Old Trafford, and the Belgian team offered little resistance against the rampant hosts.

A red card for Simon Deli in the 22nd minute shaped the match, allowing United to overpower the visiting side.

A spectacular handball from Deli was punished with a sending off, with the Brugge player diving across the box to illegally stop Dan James's shot from hitting the target.

Fernandes made no mistake from the penalty spot, and the Portuguese once again inspired his new team to an exciting display and victory.

The former Sporting CP captain combined with Juan Mata moments later, with the pair creating Ighalo's first goal in a United shirt.

McTominay had returned to the starting line-up for the first time since recovering from injury, and it felt like the Scotland international had never been away.

The midfielder curled home a wonderful effort to make it 3-0 after 41 minutes, and the tie was effectively over.

Fred was rewarded with a pair in the final eight minutes, but it was United's January captures who took the plaudits.

                 

Loser: Simon Deli

What's going on here!? 🤣

A great save from defender Simon Deli, who is duly shown a red card... 🤦‍♂️

United score the subsequent penalty! pic.twitter.com/ktcFbeWGqA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2020

It was one of the most bizarre moments in the Europa League this season when Deli was sent off for handball at Old Trafford.

The dismissal seriously damaged Brugge's chances, but the nature of the player's own decision was baffling.

The moment of madness saw the referee quickly brandish a red, but a long consultation with VAR didn't result in the decision being overturned.

Deli trudged off the field after his indiscretion, and the defender will probably be considering his actions long after this match. 

                   

Winners: Olympiacos

The Greek outfit caused one of the shocks of the competition when they dumped Arsenal out of the tournament in north London.

Mikel Arteta's men provided an abject display, and the visitors took full advantage in a match of few chances.

Pape Abou Cisse's opener after 53 minutes rocked Arsenal, but the Premier League side simply couldn't create the chances needed to fight back.

The game crawled towards the full-time whistle, and both teams accepted the challenge of extra time. However, once again, chances were few and far between.

A spectacular overhead kick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appeared to give Arsenal the winning strike with seven minutes left, but poor defending allowed Youssef El-Arabi to be unmarked in the box, and the striker grabbed a dramatic winner.

There was still time for Aubameyang to miss a golden chance in stoppage time at the end of the contest, and the skipper was distraught as the away team advanced.

                 

Losers: Arsenal's Forwards

Multiple criticisms can be levelled at Arsenal after their elimination, but it was their attack that let them down most at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners didn't have a shot on target until the 76th minute, and it was a lack of creativity and invention which punished Arsenal.

Aubameyang proved he can find moments of inspiration, with what appeared to be a winner out of nothing, but the former Borussia Dortmund striker missed a simple chance to save his team at the end.

It was another disappointing night for Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil. Neither forward was able to unlock the door against a side Arsenal should expect to beat.

Credit must go to Olympiacos for their heart and courage, but a better team would have cruised past them into the last 16.

Instead, Arteta is left with more questions than answers, and the Gunners' European campaign comes to an abrupt end.

Manchester United led the way for teams who progressed to the last 16 of the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League on Thursday night. The Red Devils thumped Club Brugge 5-0 at Old Trafford to secure a 6-1 aggregate victory. 

United kept their European journey going, but Arsenal are out after slumping to a dismal 2-1 defeat against Olympiacos after extra time at the Emirates Stadium, sending the Greek club through on away goals.

The Gunners are gone, but United will be joined in Friday's draw by Serie A giants Inter Milan, who completed a 4-1 aggregate win over Ludogorets behind closed doors at the San Siro.

One team not in the hat is Celtic after the Hoops were beaten 3-1 at home by FC Copenhagen. Celtic's misery is compounded by Glasgow rivals Rangers already ensuring qualification after Thursday's 1-0 win away to Braga.

Other big names who failed to make it through include Ajax, with last season's Champions League semi-finalists unable to overcome Getafe, despite a 2-1 win in Amsterdam. The result of the night belonged to Bayer Leverkusen after the Bundesliga club won 3-1 in Porto to guarantee progression.

Elsewhere, United's Premier League company will be provided by Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although beaten on the night by Espanyol, Wolves had done enough in the first leg to make qualification inevitable.

The lineup of qualified teams will be completed on Friday when Red Bull Salzburg host Eintracht Frankfurt, with the latter holding a 4-1 aggregate lead from the first leg.

⏰ RESULTS ⏰

✅ 15 teams confirmed for round of 16

Biggest shock tonight? 🤔#UEL pic.twitter.com/28cHK4JQxv

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 27, 2020

👇 15 confirmed teams for the last 16:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Rangers
🇮🇹 Roma
🇩🇪 Wolfsburg
🇦🇹 LASK
🇨🇭 Basel
🇩🇪 Leverkusen
🇹🇷 İstanbul Başakşehir
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Wolves
🇺🇦 Shakhtar
🇮🇹 Inter
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Manchester United
🇬🇷 Olympiacos
🇪🇸 Sevilla
🇩🇰 Copenhagen
🇪🇸 Getafe#UEL

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 27, 2020

Arsenal were already playing in second gear when Pape Abou Cisse rose highest to head in on 53 minutes. His goal matched Alexandre Lacazette's strike in the first leg, sending the tie to extra time.

Blushes appeared to be spared when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a spectacular overhead kick seven minutes from time. Yet Arsenal's lethargy meant hope wasn't lost for the visitors, who bagged the winner in the final minute of extra time thanks to Youssef El-Arabi.

A frenetic end to the game produced a reprieve for Arsenal when the ball fell Aubameyang's way in the box. Inexplicably, the 20-goal striker who has made a career from finding the net for fun shot wide under little pressure.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1233159282868310016

United had no such troubles finishing in front of goal against a Brugge side reduced to 10 men when Simon Deli was sent off for deliberate handball after 22 minutes. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot, before fellow January arrival Odion Ighalo ensured his maiden start would be one to remember.

Odion Ighalo scores his first goal for Manchester United on his first start at Old Trafford 🔴 pic.twitter.com/NDn8OnOsm5

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 27, 2020

Scott McTominay added a third, while Fred scored twice late on to complete the rout.

Ludogorets were determined to make things interesting after losing the first leg 2-0, and Oliveira Souza's 26th-minute opener gave the Bulgarian side hope. The game was played in an enclosed space because of the outbreak of Coronavirus in northern Italy and the threat of it spreading, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone.

Inter's response to going behind was to draw level five minutes later through Cristiano Biraghi. It was left to Romelu Lukaku to settle things and keep his excellent scoring run going with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time:

Lukaku: 23 goals for @Inter this season (all competitions) 🖤💙#UEL pic.twitter.com/aEAiIii9rp

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 27, 2020

Michael Santos, Pep Biel and Dame N'Doye scored in Celtic to leave Neil Lennon bereft. Lennon had seen his team draw level when Odsonne Edouard chipped in from the penalty spot, but Copenhagen's pace, timing and precision on the break were too much for a Celtic team still woefully short of know-how in European competitions.

Unlike Lennon's men, Steven Gerrard's Rangers had already done their bit 24 hours earlier. Ryan Kent's goal just after the hour mark was all they needed after their stirring comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the first leg:

GOAAAAL! Rangers take the lead through Ryan Kent! #BRARAN pic.twitter.com/vN6jXVPlkH

— GOAL (@goal) February 26, 2020

Ajax had already left themselves with too much to do after losing 2-0 in Spain last week. Getafe signalled their intent to be just as proactive in the second leg when Jaime Mata proffered a vital away goal with just five minutes on the clock.

The hosts' response was swift, with Danilo equalising five minutes later after superb work from Donny van de Beek:

Just Donny van de Beek boshing aside anyone who comes within two metres of him and the ball, getting hold of the game and forcing Ajax back into the tie. Great assist.

Long way back still but he's such a tremendous player.

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) February 27, 2020

A goal from Carel Eiting wasn't enough for Ajax to rescue the tie, leaving Getafe to celebrate an historic achievement built on exceptional defending:

9 - Fewest shots Ajax in a home game this season: v Getafe (9)
Fewest shots Ajax in an away game this season: v Getafe (2).
Exit. pic.twitter.com/tgeMltCjxX

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) February 27, 2020

Leverkusen also enjoyed a night to remember, with talent in forward areas making the difference in Portugal. Lucas Alario opened the scoring, before Kerem Demirbay and Kai Havertz both found the net in eight second-half minutes.

Moussa Marega got one back for Porto, but the hosts were doomed when Soares was sent off five minutes from time after a foul on Jonathan Tah.

Wolves' 4-0 win at Molineux left Espanyol playing for pride, but the club bottom of La Liga showed plenty of it when Jonathan Calleri bagged a hat-trick. Goals from Matt Doherty and Adama Traore were enough for Wolves to pad their aggregate advantage:

Successful take-ons in the first half of Wolves vs. Espanyol:

8 - Adama Traoré
7 - Every other player on the pitch combined

Beating his man every 6 minutes. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ifNtm9VuFA

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 20, 2020

There would have been more goals for Wolves had Pedro Neto not produced the miss of this, and perhaps any other tournament:

https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1233124592211955712

The night's most impressive turnaround saw Istanbul Basaksehir overturn a 3-1 deficit to take Sporting CP to extra time with a 91st-minute aggregate equalizer. Basaksehir won 4-1 in extra time and advanced 5-4 on aggregate. Former Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel was among the scorers for the home side in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk's 3-3 draw in Benfica earned the Ukrainian side a 5-4 aggregate victory and a place in a draw already loaded with heavyweights before Frankfurt or Salzburg complete the list. 

A last-gasp goal by Olympiacos shocked Arsenal 2-1 on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last-32 stage, earning the Greek side a 2-2 aggregate victory on away goals after extra time at the Emirates Stadium.

The home crowd were stunned when Pape Abou Cisse gave the Greek side a 53rd-minute lead from Mathieu Valbuena's corner.

Arsenal were short of ideas, and neither team could find the goal that would see them advance, triggering extra time.

Fatigue was evident in the closing stages, but a dramatic overhead kick by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 113th minute triggered celebrations from home fans.

However, there was a final twist when Youssef El-Arabi netted for Olympiacos in the last minute of extra time, and Arsenal crashed out of Europe.

Arsenal are shut out in the 119th minute 😱 pic.twitter.com/mSxgo5eT3I

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 27, 2020

Mikel Arteta rotated his options for the Gunners, with Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette handed starts in north London.

The hosts controlled the early action as they pushed forward. However, Olympiacos worked their way into the match and pressured Arsenal's defence.

Mesut Ozil was influential as the Spaniard's men hunted for an opener, and the Gunners were frustrated six minutes before half-time when Lacazette's finish was ruled offside. Saka's cross had found the French striker in the box, but the impressive 18-year-old was a fraction offside before delivering the ball.

The tie was flipped on its head soon after half-time when Arsenal failed to defend Valbuena's corner. Cisse's run wasn't tracked, and the defender emphatically headed home.

Arsenal were clearly stunned by conceding, and the Athens team suddenly began testing Bernd Leno.

The Gunners had still failed to hit the target in the match deep into the second half, though they played with more intent in the last 20 minutes while chasing a goal to put the tie to bed, but the visitors remained resolute and busy in their defending.

Nicolas Pepe finally claimed Arsenal's first shot on target with 14 minutes remaining. However, Jose Sa saved the forward's effort. 

❤️➡️💔 pic.twitter.com/4gzvCybahc

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 27, 2020

The game went to extra time as both teams lacked a cutting edge to win in normal time, but a wonderful strike from Aubameyang appeared to have given Arsenal a route into the last 16.

However, the Gunners failed to defend in the final moments, and El-Arabi broke Arsenal hearts with a clinical finish off a cross from the right, providing the visitors an unlikely victory in the capital. 

Aubameyang did have a chance to win the tie for Arsenal at the death, but the striker failed to hit the target when he should have netted.

              

What's Next

Olympiacos welcome struggling Panetolikos on Sunday in Super League Greece, while Arsenal travel to Portsmouth on Monday in the FA Cup fifth round. The Europa round of 16 begins on March 12.

Manchester United qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after beating Club Brugge 5-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

January signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo both scored, while Scott McTominay and a brace from Fred added to the Red Devils' 6-1 aggregate win following last week's 1-1 draw in Belgium. Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Brugge defender Simon Deli was red-carded for deliberate handball.

Ighalo was making his first start after Anthony Martial was left out, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirming the Frenchman "didn't feel right" during training, per Adam Marshall of the club's official website.

The 2017 winners will now be entered into Friday's draw and still have two chances to qualify for next season's Champions League, either through lifting this trophy again or finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

United set about Brugge early doors, with the hosts' play soon settling into a stable pattern. The pattern involved playing up to Ighalo, who used his strength to bring others into the game via quick layoffs and clever knockdowns.

Early sighters from Fernandes and Juan Mata came and went, but the decisive breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Deli went from defender to goalkeeper to try and turn away a Daniel James shot.

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1233126537790152709

What's going on here!? 🤣

A great save from defender Simon Deli, who is duly shown a red card... 🤦‍♂️

United score the subsequent penalty! pic.twitter.com/ktcFbeWGqA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2020

The obvious infraction earned Deli a red card, a decision only upheld after a lengthy, laborious VAR review. Once the punishment was finally confirmed, Fernandes stepped up and confidently scored from the spot for the second time in as many matches following Sunday's 3-0 Premier League win over Watford.

22' Penalty and red card awarded.

27' Penalty scored by Bruno Fernandes.

A five minute VAR check 🙃#UEL #MUNBRU pic.twitter.com/11L6nKGiqV

— GOAL (@goal) February 27, 2020

Any hope Brugge still had left disappeared 11 minutes before the break when a move involving Fernandes and Mata ended with Ighalo tucking away the finish to mark his first start for United in style:

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1233129249483231238

Ighalo has his goal 🙌

First United start, first United goal ✅

That ball from Fernandes 🤤 pic.twitter.com/ElJVo3A6lU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2020

The tie was salted away in the 41st minute when McTominay finished without a fuss after being played in by Fred. Three slick goals were just reward for the intensity and style United had imposed on the visitors from the off.

Knowing progress was assured, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought Tahith Chong on for James to start the second half. United had enough energy in the engine room to comfortably see out another 45 minutes.

Mata wanted more, though, and the little Spaniard, who was brilliant on the night, continued to probe for openings. He teed up a chance for Fred before winning a free-kick Fernandes sent wide.

Solskjaer replaced Fernandes with Jesse Lingard on 65 minutes. McTominay later made way for Mason Greenwood headed into the final 20 minutes.

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Club Brugge:

25 final third passes
5 ball recoveries
4 shots (3 on target)
3 chances created
2/3 tackles won
1 goal

A joy to watch. 😍 pic.twitter.com/qSol2ZbN1a

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 27, 2020

It was left to Fred to add a flourish to the scoreline when he shot smartly after being played in by Lingard to open his account for the season. There was still time for the Brazilian to double his tally after being teed up by Chong.

United had eased through the gears thanks to a growing quality in the forward areas. Fernandes' vision and technique, along with Ighalo's power, have added an extra dimension that can be the catalyst for more silverware in this competition.

       

What's Next?

United face Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday, while Brugge face Genk away in the Belgian First Division A the same day.

Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said Anthony Martial has suffered an injury in training, forcing his omission from the Red Devils' squad for Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Club Brugge.

The Norwegian told MUTV the France international pulled up on Wednesday (h/t the club's official website). 

"[Martial] didn't feel right during the training yesterday, or he walked off during the training, and he is injured so hopefully it won't be too bad," Solskjaer said. "But I don't really know yet how long it will be."

The injury is a blow for the Red Devils, as Martial has been a key man this season. He has 13 goals and three assists in the Premier League and Europe. Odion Ighalo was handed the start as United's striker against Brugge.

While United have frequently looked devoid of ideas going forward under Solskjaer, Martial has been a bright spark with his work on the left flank and up top. The former Monaco man is always testing defenders with his blistering speed and movement. In addition, he consistently proves himself to be the best finisher United have.

The Red Devils are short of options in the final third. After moving on Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer, the club recently lost Marcus Rashford to injury.

Ighalo and Mason Greenwood could now feature as the No. 9 if Martial is forced to spend time on the sidelines.

Alexandre Lacazette was rested at the weekend and should be fresh enough to be Arsenal's match-winner again when the Gunners host Olympiacos in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League last 32 on Thursday.

The Frenchman's late goal in Athens, Greece, last week makes the Gunners firm favourites to progress and continue their bid to return to the final for the second season running.

Head coach Mikel Arteta showed how much he rates the importance of the competition by starting first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno last week, before leaving Lacazette on the bench for Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton in the Premier League.

While the Gunners were overcoming the Toffees, Olympiacos were winning 1-0 away to PAOK to extend their lead atop the Greek Super League to five points.

Pedro Martins' squad is not short of quality, notably in the form of veteran winger Mathieu Valbuena, who caused Arsenal problems during the first leg.

        

Date: Thursday, February 27

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 3

Live Stream: BT Sport app, B/R Live

        

Odds

• Arsenal: -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
• Olympiacos: +540 (bet $100 to  win $540)
• Draw: +340

Odds per Caesars Palace.

       

Lacazette's 81st-minute finish from close range was his second goal in as many games to end a barren drought.

The former Lyon ace is steadily rediscovering his confidence while also showcasing intelligent movement both inside and outside the box.

2 - Alexandre Lacazette has found the net in each of his last two games in all competitions for Arsenal, after failing to score in each of the nine before that. Back-to-back. pic.twitter.com/XmEo5fHZ9H

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 20, 2020

Having Lacazette fit and firing makes Arsenal's forward line arguably the most feared in the tournament. His partnership with the prolific Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who bagged a brace against Everton, is too much for most defences.

Who joins the marquee strikers is a tricky choice for Arteta, although he is blessed with a few quality options. Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe has been playing up to his £72 million price tag in his last two starts, notching a goal and three assists.

Pepe didn't start in Athens, with Gabriel Martinelli instead beginning out wide. The 18-year-old Brazilian has been a revelation during his first season at Arsenal, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.

The Gunners' firepower will be too much for an Olympiacos side needing to seize the initiative. Beating Leno won't be easy, though, after the Germany international made key saves early on and defiantly turned away crosses during the first leg.

The decision to start Leno ahead of backup goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez hinted Arteta may be making the competition a priority. Playing the backup stopper in the early rounds in Europe was a favourite ploy of predecessors Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger, but the current head coach has already broken that habit.

Making the Europa League his main focus would be a wise strategy. Lifting the trophy is a route back into the UEFA Champions League, something ninth-place Arsenal are unlikely to achieve by finishing in the Premier League top four.

Leno will likely be called on again, particularly if Valbuena looks as lively as he did a week ago.

It is great to see Mathieu Valbuena going strong still. A real classy player in his prime. Still looks to be one of the best players on the pitch here.

— John Hill (@johnhillsport) February 20, 2020

Keeping the 35-year-old under wraps will be key to stopping the lines of supply to 20-goal striker Youssef El-Arabi. The burly target man is aggressive enough in the air to bully Arsenal centre-backs David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.

As long as the Gunners deny the visitors their familiar route to goal, Lacazette and Co. will do enough to book their safe passage into the last 16.

The second legs of the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League last 32 take place on Wednesday and Thursday, and there is the potential for some big-name clubs to be knocked out the competition.

Manchester United are far from guaranteed a last-16 spot after they drew 1-1 at Club Brugge last week, and Arsenal only have a narrow 1-0 lead over Olympiacos.

Ajax, meanwhile, need to scramble back from 2-0 down against Getafe to avoid going from UEFA Champions League semi-finalists to Europa League failures in less than a season.

Here are the full results from the first legs:

⏰ RESULTS ⏰

What a night! 😱 Best performance was from ________#UEL pic.twitter.com/E2f6tOohDI

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2020

And here are full details for the deciding legs in the first knockout round:

                            

Fixtures, Predictions and TV Info (Odds)

Wednesday, February 26

5 p.m. GMT, noon ET: Braga 2-1 Rangers, BT Sport 3 (Home -125, bet $125 to win $100, Draw +280, Away +330)

                   

Thursday, February 27

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET:  FC Basel 1-1 APOEL Nicosia, BT Sport Extra (-155, +275, +465)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: Espanyol 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers, BT Sport 1 (+195, +215, +155)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: Porto 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen, BT Sport Extra 3 (+110, +275, +225)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: Istanbul Basaksehir 2-2 Sporting Lisbon, BT Sport Extra (+125, +235, +225)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: Gent 0-0 Roma, BT Sport Extra (+205, +250, +125)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: LASK 0-1 AZ Alkmaar, BT Sport Extra (-125, +295, +315)

5:55 p.m. GMT, 12:55 p.m. ET: Malmo 2-1 Wolfsburg, BT Sport Extra (+230, +245, +120)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Ajax 2-1 Getafe, BT Sport Extra 2 (-125, +265, +350)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Arsenal 2-1 Olympiacos, BT Sport 3 (-200, +340, +540)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Benfica 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk, BT Sport Extra (-125, +280, +330)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Celtic 2-0 FC Copenhagen, BT Sport ESPN (-245, +345, +755)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt, BT Sport Extra (-130, +325, +300)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Inter Milan 3-1 Ludogorets, BT Sport Extra (-280, +345, +990)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Manchester United 1-0 Club Brugge, BT Sport 2 (-230, +330, +730)

8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET: Sevilla 2-0 Cluj, BT Sport Extra (-335, +395, +1200)

Live-Streaming Links: BT Sport app, B/R Live

Odds via Caesars Palace

                         

Inconsistency has been a frustratingly regular feature of United's 2019-20 campaign, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side go into Thursday's second leg against Brugge at Old Trafford on a high after a 3-0 win over Watford.

Perhaps the biggest positive from the Red Devils' defeat of the Hornets was the performance of January signing Bruno Fernandes:

Bruno Fernandes is just what #MUFC needed.

Watch on @BBCOnehttps://t.co/VsxinhfNz7#MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/sK0VWhwMYh

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 23, 2020

The Portuguese has been impressive since moving to United from Sporting Lisbon, and he will be key for the hosts as they look to get the win that will guarantee them a spot in the last 16.

United will be satisfied with nothing less than going all the way in the Europa League this season, both because Solskjaer is eager to win a trophy and it would secure the club Champions League football next season.

In order to keep their hopes alive of winning the tournament, the Red Devils will need to improve from the first leg, where a poor performance led to a 1-1 draw.

The same is similarly true for Arsenal, although they do have the cushion of knowing a draw will see them through at the Emirates Stadium.

Alexandre Lacazette got the Gunners' crucial away goal in Greece last week, and after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice in Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta can be confident he has an in-form strikeforce:

📈 @Aubameyang7 joins Vardy at the top pic.twitter.com/jbAkXhLPlH

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 23, 2020

In the game against the Toffees, though, Arsenal's vulnerability in defence was also readily apparent.

It will crucial for the Gunners that they do not go behind early against Olympiacos because the Emirates faithful can be a nervy group, and that anxiety can translate to the players.

If Arsenal can go ahead and make it 2-0 on aggregate, that should translate into an atmosphere that can see them over the line and into the next round. 

Manchester United's improved form in attacking areas makes them firm favourites to beat Club Brugge at Old Trafford and progress from the UEFA Europa League last 32 on Thursday.

Anthony Martial gave the Red Devils a vital away goal during the first leg in Belgium. The Frenchman has scored in each of his last three games in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Chelsea and beating Watford 3-0 in the Premier League.

United's six-goal run has been inspired by Martial's pace and power, along with the craft of midfielder Bruno Fernandes. The January signing scored and assisted against the Hornets on Sunday after impressing as a substitute in Bruges.

There's a potential further boost for United, with Brugge attacking talisman Emmanuel Dennis ruled out. He won't be involved after getting injured during Sunday's 1-0 win over Charleroi in the Belgian First Division A, per MailOnline's Simon Jones.

The gifted wide forward scored in the first leg and caused havoc with his speed and movement.

        

Date: Thursday, February 27

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 2

Live Stream: BT Sport App, B/R Live.

       

Odds

• United: -215 (bet $215 to win $100)
• Brugge: +705 (bet $100 to win $705)
• Draw: +310 (bet $100 to win $310)

Odds per Caesars Palace.

        

United will need the energy and dynamism of Fernandes to ensure finishing the job against Brugge.

The Portugal international has made a fast start to life at Old Trafford, including bossing Watford:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Watford:

7 passes into the box
4 chances created
3/3 take-ons
3 fouls won
3 shots
1 assist
1 goal

MOTM. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/EyzkAQ0Zu5

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 23, 2020

The former Sporting CP ace's introduction for the final 15 minutes of the first leg awoke United from a slight slumber. Fernandes' willingness to take shots on, his eye for a pass and relentless movement accelerated the pace of play and gave the Red Devils the chance to put the tie to bed.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be wise to play Fernandes from the start and try to get the job done early in Manchester.

The United manager still doesn't have striker Marcus Rashford or playmaker Paul Pogba at his disposal, but the Martial-Fernandes double act has enough to trouble the Brugge defence.

Martial is putting together a commendable scoring run after netting his 15th goal of the campaign on Sunday, but the mercurial frontman is still being challenged by his manager:

OGS on Martial: "His skill is mind-blowing sometimes. But I want more."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 23, 2020

As for the visitors, Brugge will likely look to absorb pressure initially and trust their pace to create openings on the counter. It's a sound strategy even without the athleticism of reported Borussia Dortmund target Dennis.

Emmanuel Dennis has not been included in Club Brugge's squad to face Man Utd in the Europa League - nor has club captain captain Ruud Vormer 🤕 pic.twitter.com/aRPd0HbPGX

— GOAL (@goal) February 25, 2020

Brugge can still rely on Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Percy Tau to stretch the United back line. If Belgian schemer Hans Vanaken is given time and space in midfield, the South Africa international will get opportunities to be released behind the hosts' defence.

Vanaken has netted 13 goals in all competitions this season. He has the range, technique and shooting power to help Brugge play a more direct game and get the ball forward quicker while still keeping a solid shape at the back.

Brugge will be pragmatic and try to frustrate, but Fernandes can encourage a rapid start from the home side. His drive, along with Martial's growing ruthless streak, will be enough for United to advance.

Arsenal produced a gritty 1-0 win over Olympiacos in Athens on Thursday to strengthen their hope of reaching the last 16 of the 2019/20 UEFA Europa League. 

The Gunners are still third favourites to lift the trophy, per Oddschecker, with Serie A powerhouse Inter Milan remaining the bookies' choice to claim silverware. Inter showed their quality by beating Ludogorets 2-0 in Bulgaria.

Things didn't run as smoothly for Manchester United against Club Brugge. Yet Anthony Martial's away goal in the 1-1 draw means the Red Devils can play with the handbrake off during the second leg at Old Trafford on February 27.

Sevilla are also expected to be in the reckoning, but the five-time winners of the trophy could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Cluj. One team whose odds took a hit was Ajax after last season's UEFA Champions League semi-finalists lost 2-0 in Getafe.

   

Thursday's First-Leg Results

• Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Benfica
• Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 RB Salzburg
• Ludogorets 0-2 Inter Milan
• Club Brugge 1-1 Manchester United
• Cluj 1-1 Sevilla
• FC Copenhagen 1-1 Celtic
• Getafe 2-0 Ajax
• Sporting CP 3-1 Istanbul Basaksehir
• Rangers 3-2 Braga
• AS Roma 1-0 Gent
• Wolfsburg 2-1 Malmo
• AZ Alkmaar 1-1 LASK
• Olympiacos 0-1 Arsenal
• Apoel Nicosia 0-3 FC Basel
• Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 FC Porto
• Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 Espanyol

    

Latest Odds to Win Europa League

• Inter Milan: 6-1
• Manchester United: 7-1
• Arsenal: 15-2
• Sevilla: 8-1
• Wolves: 10-1
• Roma: 16-1
• Leverkusen: 25-1
• Getafe: 28-1
• Ajax: 40-1
• Benfica: 40-1
• Wolfsburg: 50-1
• Porto: 50-1
• Shakhtar: 55-1
• Celtic: 60-1
• Sporting CP: 80-1
• Salzburg: 100-1
• Basel: 100-1
• LASK: 150-1
• Braga: 150-1
• Club Brugge: 150-1
• Rangers: 150-1
• AZ: 200-1
• Gent: 250-1
• Cluj: 300-1
• Malmo: 300-1
• Copenhagen: 300-1
• Istanbul: 500-1
• Olympiacos: 500-1
• Espanyol: 1000-1
• Ludogorets: 1000-1
• APOEL: 2000-1

Odds via Oddschecker

   

Arsenal have lost just once in the 11 games Arteta has been in charge, and it's easy to see why. The Gunners went to Greece and produced the kind of stubborn, smash-and-grab raid in Europe they were often too fragile to manage under Arteta's former boss, Arsene Wenger.

After leaning on the saves of goalkeeper Bernd Leno and an outstanding display from centre-back David Luiz, Arsenal put a slick move together in the 81st minute. It ended with Alexandre Lacazette scoring his second in as many games.

There's been a growing resilience about these Gunners since Arteta took over on December 26. Pressing is more intense in forward areas, while the shape is clearly defined at the base of the pitch, where two holding midfielders are staying put to protect the centre-backs.

Consequently, mistake-prone duo Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi have looked solid and been as big a reason as Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for recent results:

Arsenal in 2020:

Unbeaten in all competitions
Five clean sheets from nine matches
Alexandre Lacazette back in the goals

Mikel Arteta's vision is beginning to take shape.#AFC pic.twitter.com/gtQmEAG9qg

— bet365 (@bet365) February 20, 2020

Arsenal are looking balanced at the right time, but United remain front-loaded. There are enough match-winners in the final third to blaze a path to the trophy, with Martial leading the way.

The Frenchman's 36th-minute equaliser cancelled out Emmanuel Dennis' classy goal in Belgium and also continued a fine run in this competition:

Anthony Martial has scored a Europa League goal every 92 minutes this season.

Very impressive rate. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/f0O1vUNzBw

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 20, 2020

Defences trying to subdue Martial will find it equally difficult to contain Bruno Fernandes. United's big-money January signing needed only 15 minutes to add a flourish to his new team's play on this stage:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Club Brugge (15 minutes):

100% pass accuracy
5 final third passes
4 shots (all blocked)
2 passes into the box
1 foul suffered
1 dribble

Very bright cameo. 💡💡💡 pic.twitter.com/t5w3DdX8hD

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 20, 2020

United's firepower should complete the job against Brugge at Old Trafford, while Inter already have one foot in the last 16 thanks to Christian Eriksen and Romelu Lukaku. The former Premier League pair made their chances count during the second half in Razgrad.

Eriksen got the Nerazzurri started in the 71st minute, with Lukaku tucking away a penalty five minutes into injury time. Former Chelsea, Everton and United frontman Lukaku has experienced a career rebirth since moving to Italy in the summer:

6 - Romelu Lukaku has scored in six games in a row in the Europa League: the last player to do better in UEFA Cup/EL was Alan Shearer in 2005 (eight). Continuous. #LudogoretsInter pic.twitter.com/fETISvNIgH

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) February 20, 2020

Lukaku's power, Eriksen's vision and the guidance of serial winner Antonio Conte make Inter an irresistible force and the worthy tournament favourite.

Sevilla have more quality than they showed in Romania, despite Youssef En-Nesyri finding the net on his debut in the competition. Overall though, Cluj managed to frustrate a team featuring the talents of Suso, Jesus Navas and Luuk de Jong.

Count on Sevilla clicking into gear more often at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium and reaffirming their status as one of the favourites.

Ajax should be in that bracket, but will have to think again after Palmeiras loanee Deyverson scored in Spain. His fellow Brazilian, Kenedy, on loan from Chelsea, completed the scoring in the 93rd minute.

An Ajax lineup including Hakim Ziyech, Dusan Tadic and Ryan Babel had no answers.

https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1230585970900291584

Ryan Babel is a SAVAGE!

Alan Nyom starts rolling around on the floor, Babel starts imitating him and then mocks his limping with a fake cry!

Next level 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/rCwqeskmKG

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 20, 2020

The same group could find a well-drilled Getafe backline difficult to break down in seven days.

There was more entertainment when Glasgow Rangers came back from 2-0 down to beat Braga at Ibrox. The visitors took the lead in the 11th minute thanks to a long-range drive from skipper Fransergio, before padding the lead through Abel Ruiz a minute before the hour mark.

Rangers' response was to score three times in 15 minutes, including a brace from Ianis Hagi. It left Steven Gerrard suitably euphoric in the home dugout:

59'—Rangers 0-2 Braga
82'—Rangers 3-2 Braga

Steven Gerrard: https://t.co/hDn0mOJd5E

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 20, 2020

Braga will still fancy reaching the next round, thanks to those two away goals, but Rangers' indomitable spirit will give Gerrard confidence.

Rangers may yet progress, but they remain a suitable long shot after a night when the favourites didn't exactly flex their muscle, but at least showed why they can eventually prove the oddsmakers right. 

Arsenal produced a resilient performance to secure a 1-0 win over Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers also impressed in the competition, thrashing La Liga side Espanyol 4-0 at Molineux thanks to a hat-trick from Diogo Jota.

Manchester United needed an Anthony Martial equaliser to rescue a draw at Club Brugge, while Christian Eriksen scored his first goal for Inter Milan in a 2-0 win over Ludogorets.

⏰ RESULTS ⏰

What a night! 😱 Best performance was from ________#UEL pic.twitter.com/E2f6tOohDI

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2020

      

Winners: Arsenal's defence under Arteta 

Manager Mikel Arteta has tightened up Arsenal's defence since being named permanent manager in late December and saw his team keep their third clean sheet in a row on Thursday.

The Gunners boss gave first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno his first Europa League start of the season and was rewarded with an impressive performance by the German stopper.

James Olley at the Evening Standard said it was a good call:

There's a case for saying Arteta's decision to play Leno has already paid off. Stood tall to stop David Luiz scoring an own goal there.

— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 20, 2020

David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi also continued their recent improvement at centre-back and look to be building a promising partnership under Arteta.

The Telegraph's Sam Dean praised the team's defensive performance:

Three consecutive clean sheets for Arsenal, which above all just feels really weird. They’re becoming... resilient? Not at their best in attack but Lacazette’s goal makes this a job well done tonight.

— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) February 20, 2020

Arsenal have had five clean sheets in their last nine games, and their defensive solidity and Lacazette's goal have put them in charge of the tie ahead of next Thursday's return.

        

Loser: Sergio Romero

Manchester United back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero is widely considered to be one of the best deputies around but was guilty of a poor error against Club Brugge that saw the Red Devils go behind.

The Argentina international came flying off his line and then stopped, allowing Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis to chip the ball over the goalkeeper and put the hosts 1-0 up (UK video only):

Club Brugge lead against Man Utd!

The Reds were caught sleeping and one long ball puts Bonaventure in...

He now has goals vs Man Utd and Real Madrid this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/6mxckQbfI5

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 20, 2020

Manchester United's defenders hardly covered themselves in glory for the goal either, but it was a rash piece of play by the experienced Romero and could have cost his team.

James Robson at the Evening Standard offered his view:

There was plenty wrong with United for that goal - but Romero being so far off his line makes up Bonaventure’s mind for him. Didn’t do his defenders any favours there#mufc

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) February 20, 2020

Romero has been a reliable presence when called upon by Manchester United in the Europa League, but a poor piece of judgement saw the visitors forced to come from behind to secure a point.

        

Winner: Ianis Hagi

Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi highlighted his tremendous potential once again by scoring a brace to help his side come from 2-0 down to beat Braga 3-2 in a thriller at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old pulled one back on 67 minutes when he cut in off the right flank and fired a shot in off the near post to make it 2-1 (UK video only):

A lifeline for Rangers! 💪

Ianis Hagi scores what could be a crucial goal for the Ibrox side.

His father Gheorghe loves it! 😊 pic.twitter.com/q5JmZzuWtA

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 20, 2020

Joe Aribo equalised for the hosts eight minutes later before Hagi struck the winner with his second of the night from a free-kick that took a deflection on its way past goalkeeper Lima Magalhaes.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among home supporters and will surely increase interest in one of Europe's brightest young stars.

     

Loser: Ajax's Europa League hopes

Ajax were the surprise package in the UEFA Champions League last season, making it all the way to the semi-finals before being dumped out on away goals by Tottenham Hotspur.

Fast-forward less than a year and the Eredivisie champions look set to exit the Europa League at the last-32 stage after going down 2-0 at Getafe.

Jose Bordalas' side are enjoying a superb season at home and abroad. They are third in La Liga and beat Ajax on Thursday thanks to goals from Deyverson and Kenedy.

Squawka Football highlighted their rise:

May 2019: Getafe secure their best ever LaLiga finish (5th)

Dec 2019: Getafe qualify for the Europa League knock-outs for just the second time

Feb 2020: Getafe defeat last season's UCL semi-finalists Ajax 2-0

💙💙💙 pic.twitter.com/5hOL41QrNP

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 20, 2020

Getafe are brilliantly organised, difficult to break down and have put themselves in a strong position to progress, particularly as Ajax did not score an away goal.

Ajax will not have given up hope of turning the tie around but face an enormous challenge against one of Europe's best defensive teams next Thursday and look set for more European disappointment.