Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal Beat Olympiacos 1-0 in Europa League 1st Leg
Feb 20, 2020
Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after he scores the opening goal of the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg football match between Olympiakos and Arsenal at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, near Athens, on February 20, 2020. (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP) (Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Alexandre Lacazette struck late to secure a 1-0 win for Arsenal over Olympiacos in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie at the Karaiskakis Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts came flying out of the blocks and carved out two chances in the opening five minutes. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno saved from Mathieu Valbuena, and Giorgos Masouras headed over from close range.
The Gunners slowly grew into the game, with Lacazette wasting their best chance of the first half. The Frenchman smashed an effort wide of the post after being teed up by Gabriel Martinelli.
A tight second half saw few clear-cut chances for either side until Lacazette tapped home the winner on 81 minutes from a cross in from the left by Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recalled midfielder Matteo Guendouzi to his starting XI for the trip to Greece and brought Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Joe Willock and Martinelli back into his team.
The Gunners had lost four of their previous nine encounters against the Greek side and will have been relieved not to have conceded an early goal after a frantic start.
The first chance arrived with less than three minutes on the clock. Omar Elabdellaoui and Youssef El-Arabi combined to set up Valbuena for a shot on goal, but Leno managed to claw away his low effort.
Arteta's decision to start his first-choice goalkeeper received praise:
Decision to play Leno already paying dividends for Arteta. Decent stop there as Luiz nearly turned in an own goal.
Olympiacos attacked again when Masouras managed to head over Valbuena's cross at the far post, although the flag had gone up for offside.
An eventful opening saw Arsenal go close at the other end. Lacazette was inches away from converting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's cross on the stretch.
Lacazette then went even closer after 20 minutes. Martinelli did well to keep the ball in play and pull the ball back to his team-mate inside the penalty area, but the Frenchman's shot was rushed and flew wide:
Lacazette has forgotten how to shoot properly.
— James Dall (jamesdall.bsky.social) (@JamesDall_) February 20, 2020
The second half was a cagey affair, with Leno the busier of the two goalkeepers. The German produced smart saves to deny Valbuena and El-Arabai and put in a commanding performance in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal secured the win with the only goal of the game inside the final 10 minutes. Aubameyang did well to keep the ball in play and send Saka surging forward. The 18-year-old then produced a fine low cross to pick out Lacazette in front of goal and convert from close range (UK video only):
Alex Lacazette strikes to put Arsenal ahead vs Olympiacos...
The Gunners might have had a second strike in the closing minutes. Lacazette saw another effort saved by goalkeeper Jose Sa, while Dani Ceballos' corner was headed on to the woodwork by Sokratis.
Arteta may rue his side's ability to add a second, but the win and the away goal puts the Gunners in charge of the tie ahead of the return leg at the Emirates Stadium.
What's Next?
Both teams are back in domestic action on Sunday. Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League, while Olympiacos, who are top of Greece's Super League, are away at second-placed PAOK.
The second leg of the tie will be at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday.
Anthony Martial, Manchester United Play Club Brugge to UEL 1st-Leg Draw
Feb 20, 2020
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Club Brugge and Manchester United at Jan Breydel Stadium on February 20, 2020 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Manchester United will be confident of progressing from the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Club Brugge in the first leg on Thursday.
United were behind after 15 minutes when Emmanuel Dennis scored in style for the hosts. It was left to Anthony Martial to hit back for the Red Devils a little more than 20 minutes later.
Martial's priceless away goal at Jan Breydel Stadium means United are still well-positioned to finish the job when the two teams meet in the return leg at Old Trafford on February 27.
United deployed a 3-4-2-1 lineup, but the formation did little to prevent the hosts from setting the early pace. Brugge broke at will, consistently springing winger Dennis and striker Percy Tau behind the United back three.
It was reported Borussia DortmundtargetDennis who made the breakthrough when he caught United deputy goalkeeper Sergio Romero cold with a cheeky lob in the 15th minute.
Dennis hasn't been in awe of big-name opposition this season:
Clever movement from Dennis, allied with the pace of Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Tau, maintained Brugge's considerable threat. Dennis was unlucky not to score a second when he drew Romero into a fine save soon after.
It was a key stop because United were on level terms nine minutes before the break when Martial profited from a mistake at the back. The Frenchman was ruthless in the way he raced clear and finished coolly.
Goals are becoming a happy habit for one of the more under-appreciated centre-forwards in Europe:
Anthony Martial's top-scoring seasons for Manchester United:
Martial was still causing nerves along the Brugge back line during the second half. His quick feet and power almost took him through on three occasions, only for desperate, last-ditch tackles to deny the former AS Monaco man.
While he was lively, Martial was replaced soon after a clash near the touchline, with Odion Ighalo entering the fray. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also added another physical presence to his team by withdrawing Andreas Pereira and introducing Fred.
The changes would have counted for naught had Odilon Kossounou converted from inside the box in the 76th minute. Dennis was typically at the heart of the move, turning Harry Maguire inside out before firing a low cross across the penalty area.
Siebe Schrijvers dummied brilliantly, leaving Kossounou with the time to pick his spot beyond Romero. Instead, the midfielder leaned back and scuffed a poor effort wide of the post, a major let-off for the away side.
Solskjaer responded by bringing January signing Bruno Fernandes off the bench to replace Diogo Dalot. The ex-Sporting CP star instantly began linking up well with Juan Mata.
Fernandes made an immediate impact, but it came too late for United to turn a draw into victory. Even so, Solskjaer will fancy his squad to have enough quality to outwork and overpower Brugge in Manchester.
What's Next?
United host struggling Watford in the Premier League on Sunday, while Brugge are also in domestic action on the same day, at home to Charleroi.
Club Brugge vs. Manchester United: Europa Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Feb 19, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates with Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 17, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Manchester United will hope to continue building momentum on Thursday, when they resume their UEFA Europa League push against Club Brugge.
The Red Devils enhanced their chances of finishing in the Premier League's top four on Monday, producing an impressive performance to win 2-0 at Chelsea. Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire netted in each half for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
In the Europa League, United were able to progress through the group stage with relative ease and will be big favourites up against their Belgian opponents. Brugge are currently nine points clear at the top of their domestic league so have license to go all out in European competition.
An intriguing match is on the cards at Jan Breydel Stadium.
Although United have been a long way short of their best at times this season, the campaign has yielded some memorable moments against other high-profile sides.
Monday was the third time they've beaten Chelsea this term and the second time they've won at Stamford Bridge. Headers from Martial and Maguire were enough for them to chop down the gap to the Blues to just three points:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNG-OeQIiFE
United had to see out spells of pressure at times during the match at Stamford Bridge, but they always carry a threat on the counter-attack and from set-piece situations.
Martial showed brilliant forward instincts to get in front of his marker to put United ahead, before Maguire bullied his marker and powered home a header to seal the game.
The defender, who was made captain in January following the sale of Ashley Young, was lucky not to see red in the first half after he appeared to kick out at Michy Batshuayi. However, that aside, he was outstanding at the base of the team.
Andy Mitten of The Athletic said it was the centre-back's best performance for the club:
Bang. That’s what Maguire should be doing. Best game so far for him. He’s absolutely buzzing in front of that away end - who are singing a song about his head being massive.
After a huge effort on Monday, it will be intriguing to see how many United players keep their place in the XI for the trip to Brugge, especially given Solskjaer has a number of injury problems to contend with.
Up top, the likes of Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard may get opportunities to show what they can do. The former has shone in continental competition this season, with four goals in five appearances.
Greenwood has been one of the most prolific teenagers in European football this season:
Only four teenagers in Europe's top five leagues have scored 10+ goals across all competitions:
Brugge struggled in the main in their Champions League group but were able to finish in third behind Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to secure a spot in the Europa League. They were unable to win any of their six games but earned creditable draws home and away with Galatasaray, as well as a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
United should be too strong on the night, though, and a win would give the Belgian outfit a mountain to climb for the return leg in a week's time.
Prediction: Brugge 1-2 Manchester United
Olympiacos vs. Arsenal: Europa Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule
Feb 19, 2020
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: David Luiz of Arsenal celebrates his sides fourth goal scored by Alexandre Lacazette and team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Arsenal will resume their pursuit of another UEFA Europa League final appearance on Thursday, when they travel to Olympiacos in the first leg of their last-32 clash.
The Gunners breezed through the group stage of the competition and should go into this showdown in Greece with a swagger. They produced their best performance under the tutelage of new manager Mikel Arteta on Sunday, coasting to a 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
Olympiacos dropped into the Europa League after finishing behind Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA Champions League group. The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is an intimidating venue, though, and the Gunners will need to be at their best to take a positive result back to London.
Here are the main viewing details for the match, odds and a preview of what's to come in Piraeus.
Before Sunday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle, there had been minor improvements made by the Gunners under the tutelage of Arteta.
The manager would have been delighted with the manner in which the team performed against the Magpies, though, with all of their big-name attacking players getting on the scoresheet:
Per James McNicholas of The Athletic, there were a number of forwards who appeared relieved to score in the game:
Thoroughly enjoyed that second half.
Pepe excellent, and goals for Ozil and Lacazette could do wonders for their confidence. Rarely do you see a player celebrate with such relief as Laca showed.
When Arsenal signed Nicolas Pepe for a club-record fee last summer, there was much excitement about what he could offer alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil.
That quartet hasn't really hit top gear, though, with Pepe struggling to adapt to the pace of the English game and Lacazette lacking his trademark goalscoring touch this term. However, the match against Newcastle was a tantalising insight into what these players could offer.
Per B/R Football, it was the first time Arsenal's high-profile forwards had netted in the same game:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe all score in a game for Arsenal for the first time 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8fFbBJC7IA
There will likely be some personnel changes on Thursday, with Arteta looking to juggle domestic and European commitments.
After beginning Sunday's game on the bench, it will be intriguing to see if Lacazette gets the nod up top, or if the manager goes with Eddie Nketiah again.
Per Football.London, the Arsenal boss expects the Frenchman to make an impact off the bench:
Olympiacos represent a tough draw for the Gunners. They were impressive on home soil in the Champions League, beating Red Star Belgrade, drawing with Tottenham Hotspur and losing narrowly to Bayern Munich.
If the Greek side are going to make it through this tie, they will need to build a healthy lead in Piraeus. In Youssef El-Arabi and Mathieu Valbuena, they have attacking players who are a little past their best but still dangerous when given opportunities.
Daniel Podence shone for Olympiacos in the early months of the campaign, and Arsenal will be thankful they don't have to deal with his tricky wing play. As a result, the Gunners should do enough to ensure there is parity at the halfway stage of the tie.
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-2 Arsenal
Europa League 2020: Round-of-32 Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Predictions
Feb 19, 2020
Anthony Martial of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and AZ Alkmaar at at Old Trafford on December 12, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Manchester United will still be without Paul Pogba's vision and flair when the UEFA Europa League last 32 begins on Thursday. Fortunately for the Red Devils, though, they will be able to count on the presence of January signings Odion Ighalo and Bruno Fernandes.
United will need them against Club Brugge. It's the toughest draw facing any of the remaining Premier League sides since Brugge were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League group stage, despite a creditable draw with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The Belgian side will be a major threat to United's chances of progressing, while Arsenal will find a trip to Olympiacos typically tough.
The Gunners frequently made the journey to Greece during their days as a Champions League regular, but this is a squad still in rebuild mode under head coach Mikel Arteta, although there have been positive signs of progress lately.
A lot of attention will be on Inter Milan. Like Brugge and Olympiacos, the Serie A giants are in this competition after finishing third in their Champions League group. It was hardly a disgrace for Antonio Conte's men, who were pipped by Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.
The Nerazzurri are still a powerful squad whose firepower, typified by prolific striker Romelu Lukaku, will be too much for Bulgarian success story Ludogorets.
Fixtures, TV Schedule and Predictions
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Benfica, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (2-1)
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Salzburg, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (1-1)
Ludogorets vs. Inter Milan, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (0-3)
Club Brugge vs. Manchester United, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET, BT Sport 2 (2-2)
Cluj vs. Sevilla, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (1-4)
Copenhagen vs. Celtic, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET, BT Sport 3 (1-1)
Getafe vs. Ajax, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (2-1)
Sporting CP vs. Istanbul Basaksehir, 5:55 p.m. GMT/12:55 p.m. ET (0-0)
Rangers vs. Braga, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport 3 (1-2)
AS Roma vs. Gent, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET (2-0)
Wolfsburg vs. Malmo, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET (1-0)
AZ Alkmaar vs. Lask, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET (3-1)
Olympiakos vs. Arsenal, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport 2 (1-1)
APOEL Nicosia vs. FC Basel, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET (0-0)
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Porto, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET (2-1)
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Espanyol, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BT Sport ESPN (3-0)
United, Arsenal to Score Away Goals, Wolves Set for Home Win
United's form away from home will give manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confidence his team can position this tie to be won at Old Trafford in the return leg on February 27.
A 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night added to United's notable away days this season, which have also included two victories over Manchester City.
Anthony Martial was on the scoresheet against Chelsea, an opponent the Frenchman loves to torment:
Anthony Martial has scored 4 goals vs. Chelsea, only against West Ham (6) and Everton (5) has he scored more.
Even so, United have a trusted formula for scoring on their travels, based on Martial's pace and ability to bring others into play. Solskjaer may choose to support him with Ighalo, who came off the bench against the Blues to make his United debut after arriving on a temporary loan from the Chinese Super League.
Martial should also link well with Fernandes, a dynamic, box-to-box runner who has so far only offered hints of his awesome talent since arriving from Sporting CP in a deal worth an initial £47 million.
The 25-year-old has a key role to play because Pogba is still recovering from ankle surgery. The mercurial playmaker is also at the centre of a war of words between his agent Mino Raiola and Solskjaer, per BBC Sport.
Odion Ighalo managed as many shots on target in #CHEMUN as the entire Chelsea team combined (1).
A talented Brugge forward line led by Emmanuel Bonaventure will cause United problems in Belgium, but Martial and Co. should do enough to earn a draw.
It will be a similar story for the Gunners, who are blessed with more marquee forwards than most teams in the tournament. Both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette found the net in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday, and they will be the priorities for the Olympiacos defence.
Arteta can also call on exciting youngsters such as 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah, 20. Yet the true difference-maker could be Nicolas Pepe, who emerged from a slumber to produce a star turn against the Magpies.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe all score in a game for Arsenal for the first time 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8fFbBJC7IA
Arsenal's record signing has floundered for most of the season, but he scored one and assisted two other goals on Sunday. His pace and end product will worry a team that conceded 14 goals en route to being bounced out of the Champions League.
Yet Pedro Martins' side are usually strong at home and will work hard to keep the Gunners at bay. Ultimately, though, one of Arteta's front three will pocket a precious away goal.
Arsenal and United will struggle to win, but it will be a different story for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first leg against Espanyol at Molineux. The visitors are rooted to the bottom of La Liga and also set to miss striker Raul de Tomas and midfield man Marc Roca, per Alex Dicken of the Birmingham Mail.
A Wolves team headlined by the brilliantly versatile Raul Jimenez are tactically and physically strong enough to take a commanding lead to Spain next week.
Inter and Sevilla to Coast, Ajax Set for Upset
Ludogorets have become a fixture in European competitions since qualifying for the Champions League in 2014. However, Inter have too much power and quality not to win big in Bulgaria.
Lukaku will lead the way as a forward enjoying a record-breaking campaign:
Inter won't be the night's only big winners, with Europa League specialists Sevilla also set to be among the goals.
The club that has lifted this trophy more than any other can turn on the style against Cluj in Romania thanks to a classy midfield featuring Suso, Franco Vazquez, Ever Banega and Lucas Ocampos.
Getafe will also do La Liga proud by surprising last season's Champions League semi-finalists Ajax. The Amsterdam club recently agreed to sell key creative ace Hakim Ziyech to Chelsea in the summer, per their official website.
Ziyech and Co. will still be expected to make waves in this competition, but Getafe are no pushovers. The third-place team in the Spanish top flight are underpinned by a solid defence led by Djene Dakonam.
Getafe can edge a narrow win at home and feel confident about weathering intense pressure in the Netherlands.
UEFA Confirm VAR to Be Used in Europa League 2020 Knockout Stages
Feb 17, 2020
DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 10: VAR checks Slavia Praha's first goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Praha at Signal Iduna Park on December 10, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
UEFA confirmed on Monday that the video assistant referee (VAR) system will be used for the first time on Thursday in the knockout stages of the 2020 Europa League:
"Video assistant referees (VAR) will be deployed in the UEFA Europa League knockout phase, which kicks off on 20 February. The decision was taken by the UEFA Executive Committee last September, following the introduction of the system in several UEFA competitions in the 2018/19 campaign."
The technology was introduced to the Champions League last season and the Premier League for the first time at the start of the 2019-20 season but was not used in the group stages of the Europa League.
UEFA offered some detail on how the technology will work:
🏆 VAR comes to the @EuropaLeague knockout phase this week.
Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's Referees Committee chairman, said VAR has been a success in Europe's top competition and highlighted the impact it has had.
"We're very happy with the figures that we've seen in the UEFA Champions League group phase and playoffs – in 108 matches in total, 27 decisions have been corrected through the VAR system, which means that a decision has only been overturned every four matches - this shows the quality of the referees' performances. In addition, we feel that the time taken to overturn a decision is important. So far this season, the average time for the correction of a decision has been 1 minute 30 seconds – 15 seconds less than last season."
VAR has come in for plenty of criticism across Europe for the time taken to make decisions and a perceived lack of consistency.
The ruling concerning offsides has prompted much debate and led to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to ask VAR officials not to be "too forensic," per BBC Sport.
The handball law has also come under scrutiny with VAR, as highlighted by ESPN FC's Dale Johnson:
And thus in March 2019 the handball law was changed.
This was not for VAR. In fact it's the opposite, the changes to the handball law failed to take into account how bad it would be with the forensic analysis of VAR.
The Europa League is the second tier of European club competition but does offer the winners automatic qualification to next season's Champions League group stage.
The draw for the last 32 includes some big names including Premier League teams Manchester United, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Serie A rivals Inter Milan and Roma as well as last season's Champions League semi-finalists Ajax:
UEFA also announced VAR will be used in the European qualifiers play-offs in March, Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, subject to final approval. The technology will be also used at the Women’s Champions League final and at Women's Euro 2021.
Europa League Draw 2019-20: Schedule of Dates for Round-of-32 Fixtures
Dec 16, 2019
Manchester United's English defender Ashley Young (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with Manchester United's English striker Mason Greenwood (R) during the UEFA Europa League group L football match between Manchester United and AZ Almaar at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 12, 2019. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United were drawn against Belgian side Club Brugge in Monday's draw for the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League round of 32.
Ajax, semi-finalists in last season's UEFA Champions League, will face Getafe as they start their campaign to win the tournament for a second time:
Not sure there is a bigger clash of styles than Getafe against Ajax. The sheer motivation and level of joy Bordalás will have going into this with 'his' style. #UELdraw
Arsenal have been handed a tough draw against an Olympiacos side that entertained in the Champions League group stage against Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Serie A leaders Inter Milan will go up against Bulgaria's Ludogorets.
Teams named first will play the first leg at home.
The first legs will be played on Thursday, February 20. The second legs will be played on Thursday, February 27.
Europe's second-tier club competition has been bolstered by the arrival of some top-level sides dropping down from the Champions League, not least Ajax and Inter.
Red Bull Salzburg will also have ambitions of going deep. Erling Haaland will likely be relishing playing in the Europa League after netting eight goals in six Champions League group-stage appearances:
Erling Braut Håland this season (Austrian Bundesliga and UCL):
The Austrian outfit were drawn against Eintracht Frankfurt on Monday. The Bundesliga club made the semi-finals of last season's competition, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Chelsea.
Another English winner of the Europa League is a distinct possibility this season.
United won the tournament under Jose Mourinho in 2016-17, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will view the 2019-20 edition as both a route back into the Champions League and a chance to win some major silverware.
Brugge did not win a match in Group A of the 2019-20 Champions League, but they earned a draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu after going 2-0 ahead inside 40 minutes.
The Red Devils played Brugge in the Champions League play-offs in 2015-16 and beat them 7-1 on aggregate:
Sevilla are always a side that must be considered when attempting to pick Europa League winners as they hold the record for most titles with five, including three in a row from 2014.
They will play Cluj in the first knockout round.
The Romanian side won four of their six Group E matches but were pushed into second by Celtic, who will face Copenhagen in the round of 32.
Europa League 2019-20: Updated Odds After Round-of-32 Draw
Dec 16, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and Partizan at Old Trafford on November 07, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United are favoured to win their second UEFA Europa League title in three years this season, and the Red Devils will face Club Brugge in the round of 32 following Monday's draw.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men won Europe's second-tier club contest when Jose Mourinho was at the helm in 2017, and they return to the knockout stages hoping to clinch the continental crown under his Norwegian successor.
Domestic rivals Arsenal also topped their Europa League group and were drawn opposite Olympiacos in the next round; the Gunners are targeting another final appearance after they ended as runners-up to Chelsea last term.
Ajax and Inter Milan are among the biggest names dropping into the fray after they finished third in their UEFA Champions League groups. They were drawn opposite Getafe and Ludogorets Razgrad, respectively, in the round of 32, while Bayer Leverkusen will play Portuguese powerhouse Porto.
Red Bull Salzburg failed to pip Liverpool to a Champions League knockout place and also look like a Europa League contender at 12-1—they'll meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the round of 32.
Steven Gerrard's Rangers earned a runners-up place in their group and are 50-1 outsidersto win the tournament, boasting the incumbent top scorer in Alfredo Morelos (six goals). They'll have to beat Braga over two legs if they're to make the last 16, while Scottish rivals Celtic take on Copenhagen.
The Europa League round-of-32 first-leg fixtures will take place on February 20, while the reverse fixtures are scheduled for February 27.
The Red Devils have won each of their previous meetings with ClubBruggeand emerged as 7-1 victors on aggregate when the two teams clashed in the 2015-16UEFAChampions League play-offs.
The Belgian outfit have moved on to slightly bigger prospects in the years since, however, and recently forced a 2-2 draw out of Real Madrid away from home in this season's Champions League group stage:
Striker Emmanuel Dennis scored a brace in that clash and hopes to hit the target against another continental titan come February, while HansVanakenand DavidOkerekeare among ClubBrugge's other threats.
Italian giants Inter will fancy their chances of advancing past Bulgarian league championsLudogorets, and five-time Europa League winnersSevillawill feel similarly confident going up against Romanian clubCluj.
Things aren't so certain for Arsenal after they drew Greek hopefulsOlympiacos, who hold a strong record against the north Londoners and are something of a bogey team for the English outfit:
4 - Arsenal have lost four of their eight meetings with Olympiakos in all European competition - only against Bayern Munich (7) and Barcelona (6) have the Gunners lost more. Tragedy. #UELdrawpic.twitter.com/FymU6jIeoY
The Gunners have one win in their last 12 games across all competitions and are led by interim coach FreddieLjungberg, but they might have a permanent tactician in place by February.
Premier League peers Wolverhampton Wanderers are also faced with a tricky fixture oppositeEspanyol, who have been poor domestically this season but did well to top their pool, per The Athletic's TimSpiers:
A winnable tie in a great location...decent draw right?
Espanyol doing woefully in La Liga, changed manager in October, won only twice all season (both away from home).
However they topped Group H, overcoming Ludogorets, Ferencvaros and CSKA Moscow. pic.twitter.com/r4Hc0ldRlB
Ajax made it to the semi-finals of last season's Champions League but drop into the Europa League after failing to progress out of their group this season.
They take on aGetafeteam that recently celebrated its best start to a campaign in La Liga, a clash that ensures one contender for the title will be packing their bags in the next stage.
Both Glasgow giants have tough round-of-32 tasks at hand. Celtic travel to Copenhagen in their first leg of their clash, whileBragapose a difficult obstacle for a Rangers team unacquainted with knockout football:
For the first time since 2011, Rangers will be playing European knockout football! 🙌
A meeting betweenPrimeiraLiga championsBenficaand Ukrainian juggernautShakhtarDonetsk promises to be the "best of the rest," a tantalising fixture between clubs not originating from Europe's top five leagues.
Europa League 2019: Final Group Tables, Results, Qualified Teams After Thursday
Dec 12, 2019
Arsenal won Group F in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday after a dramatic 2-2 comeback at Standard Liege.
The Gunners maintained top spot after a surprise 3-2 victory for Vitoria de Guimaraes at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manchester United scored four in 11 minutes at the start of the second half to defeat AZ Alkmaar 4-0 at Old Trafford.
Malmo secured first in Group B after beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 on the road, forcing the Dane's to accept second.
Getafe's 3-0 win over FC Krasnodar allowed the Spanish team to qualify ahead of the Russian Premier League outfit.
Thursday's Results
APOEL 1-0 Sevilla
Qarabag FK 1-1 F91 Dudelange
FC Copenhagen 0-1 Malmo FF
Dynamo Kyiv 1-1 Lugano
Getafe 3-0 FC Krasnodar
FC Basel 1893 2-0 Trabzonspor
PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Rosenborg
LASK 3-0 Sporting CP
Rennes 2-0 Lazio
CFR Cluj 2-0 Celtic
Standard Liege 2-2 Arsenal
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-3 Vitoria de Guimaraes
FC Porto 3-2 Feyenoord
Rangers 1-1 BSC Young Boys
Espanyol 0-1 CSKA Moscow
Ludogorets Razgrad 1-1 Ferencvaros
Gent 2-1 Olexandriya
Wolfsburg 1-0 Saint-Etienne
Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Istanbul Basaksehir
Roma 2-2 Wolfsberger AC
Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 Besiktas
Slovan Bratislava 2-4 Braga
Partizan Belgrade 4-1 FC Astana
Manchester United 4-0 Alkmaar
Europa League standings (Team, Goal Difference, Points):
Group A
Q. Sevilla, 11, 15
Q. APOEL, 2, 10
3. Qarabag, -3, 5
4. Dudelange, -10, 4
Group B
Q. Malmo, 2, 11
Q. Copenhagen, 1, 9
3. Dynamo Kyiv, 0, 7
4. Lugano, -3, 3
Group C
Q. Basel, 8, 13
Q. Getafe, 4, 12
3. Krasnodar, -4, 9
4. Trabzonspor, -8, 1
Group D
Q. LASK, 7, 13
Q. Sporting, 4, 12
3. PSV, -3, 8
4. Rosenborg, -8, 1
Group E
Q. Celtic, 4, 13
Q. Cluj, 2, 12
3. Lazio, -3, 6
4. Rennes, -3, 4
Group F
Q. Arsenal, 7, 11
Q.Frankfurt, -2, 9
3. Standard, -2, 8
4. Vitoria, -3, 5
Group G
Q. Porto, -1, 10
Q. Rangers, 2, 9
3. Young Boys, 1, 8
4. Feyenoord, -2, 5
Group H
Q. Espanyol, 8, 11
Q. Ludogorets, 0, 8
3. Ferencvaros, -2, 7
4. CSKA Moscow, -6, 5
Group I
Q. Gent, 4, 12
Q. Wolfsburg, 2, 11
3. Saint-Etienne, -2, 4
4. Oleksandriya, -4, 3
Group J
Q. Monchengladbach, -2, 10
Q. Roma, 6, 9
3. Basaksehir, -3, 8
4. Wolfsberger, -1, 5
Group K
Q. Braga, 6, 14
Q. Wolves, 6, 13
3. Bratislava, -3, 4
4. Besiktas, -9, 3
Group L
Q. Manchester United, 8, 13
Q. AZ, 7, 9
3. Partizan, 0, 8
4. Astana, -15, 3
Q - Qualified
Thursday Recap
Liege missed a golden opportunity to qualify after losing a two-goal lead against Arsenal in Belgium. Frankfurt's loss to Vitoria opened the door for Standard, and if they had held on against the Gunners, they would have advanced.
Samuel Bastien's goal two minutes after half-time gave the hosts the lead, and Selim Amallah's deflected shot allowed Standard a solid advantage with 21 minutes left.
However, Arsenal responded late, with Alexandre Lacazette heading home after 78 minutes. Bukayo Saka's curling effort levelled the score with nine minutes remaining, denying Standard qualification.
Frankfurt will be grateful for the Gunners' performance after conceding two late goals in Germany. Rochinha gave the visitors a surprise eighth-minute lead, but Danny da Costa and Daichi Kamada netted for the hosts before half-time.
Al Musrati's goal five minutes from the end appeared to have given Vitoria a share of the points, but Marcus Edwards' long-range shot made it 3-2 three minutes from time.
Manchester United turned on the style and power in the second half after AZ capitulated. A tepid opening saw both teams retain the ball without playing with creativity and freedom.
However, the Red Devils, with Mason Greenwood in full flow, scored four goals in quick secession. Ashley Young finished at the far post after 53 minutes, leading to Greenwood striking from outside of the box five minutes later.
Greenwood was fouled by Jordy Clasie in the box, and the United forward hit the ground. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, allowing Juan Mata to pass the ball home.
United kept their foot on the gas, and Greenwood once again showed his class with a consummate finish.
The victory gave the Manchester giants top spot, and AZ qualify in second.
Top Winners and Losers After Europa League 2019 Matchday 6 Results
Dec 12, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Mason Greenwood of Manchester United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League group L match between Manchester United and AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford on December 12, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Arsenal and Manchester United progressed to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League as group winners after Thursday's final round of fixtures.
The Gunners came from behind to draw 2-2 against Standard Liege and top Group F ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side beat AZ Alkmaar 4-0 and take first place in Group L.
Fellow Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers are also through after a 4-0 win over Besiktas that sees them progress as runners-up behind Sporting Braga.
Here is a look at Thursday's results and the qualified teams:
⏰ RESULTS ⏰
⭐️ Performance of the night was from __________
Through to the round of 32: Malmö, Copenhagen, Getafe, CFR Cluj, Arsenal, Frankfurt, Rangers, Porto, Ludogorets, İstanbul Başakşehir & Roma ✅#UELpic.twitter.com/gbIRlht9KC
Arsenal and Manchester United both went through as group winners thanks to some important contributions from their starlets.
Bukayo Saka made his fourth Europa League start of the season for Arsenal and emerged as the Gunners' saviour in their 2-2 draw against Standard Liege.
Two deflected goals had put the Gunners on the brink of defeat and on course for second spot in the group until Saka popped up with an assist and a goal to rescue a draw.
The 18-year-old provided a pinpoint cross from the left for Alexandre Lacazette to head home to make it 2-1 with his sixth assist of the season:
6 - Bukayo Saka has assisted six goals for Arsenal in all competitions this season, two more than any other Gunners player. Creator. pic.twitter.com/tAaTqFODoZ
Saka then went one better with a superb goal to make it 2-2. The teenager swapped passes with substitute Gabriel Martinelli on the edge of the penalty area and whipped a shot past goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart.
Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood won a penalty and scored twice to help the Red Devils cruise past AZ at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old struck a low left-footed shot into the corner to make it 2-0 and was then bundled over by Jordy Clasie in the penalty area, allowing Juan Mata to put the Red Devils 3-0 up from the penalty spot.
Greenwood added United's fourth with another well-taken goal to take his tally to the season to six:
6 - Only Marcus Rashford (13) has scored more goals than Mason Greenwood (6) in all competitions for Manchester United this season. Lethal. pic.twitter.com/9dkN0iBo0T
It was a good night for both youngsters who have shown exactly what they have to offer and will be hoping for more first-team opportunities as the season progresses.
Losers: Arsenal defence
Arsenal did not have it all their own way on Thursday, and two deflected strikes threatened to hand the visitors a second Europa League defeat of the season until Saka intervened.
Samuel Bastien and Selim Amallah both scored to give Standard Liege a 2-0 lead and ensure Arsenal have now gone 13 games without a clean sheet in all competitions:
13 - Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 matches in all competitions, equalling their worst ever run under Arsene Wenger (13 between October and December 2004). Leaky.
Konstantinos Mavropanos was handed his first start of the season but produced a clumsy, error-strewn performance in a back three alongside Sokratis and David Luiz.
Arsenal writer Dan Critchlow was critical of the formation:
We look like we do every time we use three at the back. I hate it for our players.
Our centre-backs are the worst members of our squad, why would we want another one?
Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez came in for Bernd Leno in goal but looked nervy throughout on a tricky pitch and hardly transmitted confidence to his shaky backline.
Arsenal managed to rescue the draw thanks to their quality in attack, but their Europa League campaign will not end in success unless they can tighten up at the back.
Winner: Diogo Jota
Wolves forward Diogo Jota started Thursday's match against Besiktas on the bench but arrived after 56 minutes as a substitute for Ruben Neves and took little time stealing the headlines.
The 23-year-old headed home his first within moments of coming on, tapped home his second from close range minutes later and then completed his hat-trick with a powerful header.
Opta noted how it's the fastest hat-trick in the Europa League since 2014:
11:00 - Diogo Jota's hat-trick in exactly 11 minutes is the fastest scored in the Europa League since September 2014, when Claudiu Keseru scored a hat-trick in 10 minutes and 56 seconds for FCSB vs Aalborg. Rapid. pic.twitter.com/rfOZTvKQKo
Jota's three goals helped Wolves to an impressive 4-0 win that confirms their place in the knockout stages, although it was not quite good enough for top spot.
Sporting Braga's 4-2 win over Slovan Bratislava in the group's other game sees the Portuguese side finish a point ahead of the Premier League side and should earn them a more favourable draw.
Anthony Martial was named in a strong Manchester United starting XI but was completely outshone by 18-year-old Greenwood in the Red Devils' attack.
The French forward ought to have got his name on the scoresheet when the teenager set him up with a golden opportunity in front of goal, but Martial somehow managed to blaze over the ball from close range.
Squawka's Muhammed Butt was not impressed with the 24-year-old's display:
also... Martial's been kinda poor today, right? like how was he not on the spot to tap that cross home?
In contrast, Greenwood enjoyed a superb game and enhanced his growing reputation with a performance full of energy, movement and some clinical finishing.
Greenwood's goals mean he has now scored as many as Martial this season:
Greenwood joins Martial on six for the season. Only Rashford got more for Man Utd.
The teenager has impressed when he has been handed minutes this season and is increasing the competition for places in the United attack alongside top scorer Marcus Rashford.
