The Europa League’s latest round brought excitement and upheaval as Manchester United clinched their first victory, Tottenham Hotspur faced their first defeat, and Lazio secured the top spot with a last-minute win. The tournament continues to unfold with drama as teams battle for positions in the group standings.
Manchester United break Europa League drought
Manchester United fans finally had a reason to cheer as their team secured a 2-0 victory against PAOK under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. United had drawn their first three Europa League matches this season, all with Erik ten Hag at the helm. However, this match saw a revitalised United, led by a stellar performance from Amad Diallo, who scored both goals.
Diallo’s first goal came just five minutes after half-time when he met Bruno Fernandes’ cross with a header that looped into the far corner. Thirteen minutes from full time, he showcased his skill again with a solo effort to double United’s lead. With six points in the group, United now trail Tottenham by three points, hoping to secure more victories as the competition progresses.
Spurs perfect run ends in Istanbul
Tottenham Hotspur experienced their first Europa League loss of the season in a dramatic 3-2 encounter with Galatasaray. The Turkish side opened scoring with a spectacular half-volley from Yunus Akgun, but Spurs responded when Brennan Johnson set up Will Lankshear for a close-range finish. However, Galatasaray quickly regained control as Victor Osimhen scored twice, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Spurs’ Radu Dragusin.
Despite going down to 10 men after Lankshear’s second booking, Tottenham fought back with a skillful back-heeled goal by substitute Dominic Solanke. Spurs pushed for an equaliser but ultimately left Istanbul without points, ending their flawless run.
Lazio clinch last-second win
Lazio retained their stronghold at the top of the standings with a dramatic 2-1 win over Porto, courtesy of Pedro’s stoppage-time goal. Alessio Romagnoli initially put Lazio in the lead, but Porto equalised in the second half through Stephen Eustaquio. Just as a draw seemed imminent, Pedro latched onto Gustav Isaksen’s cross to seal Lazio’s fourth consecutive win, giving them control in the group standings.
Ajax, Athletic Bilbao, and Anderlecht Highlight Group Action
Ajax made a statement with a resounding 5-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, with goals from Bertrand Traore, Kenneth Taylor, Mika Godts, Brian Brobbey, and Kian Fitz-Jim. Athletic Bilbao staged a comeback against Ludogorets in Bulgaria, with second-half strikes from Inaki Williams and Nicolas Serrano propelling them to a 2-1 victory.
Anderlecht were denied a win in a frustrating finish against RFS as a late own goal by Moussa N’diaye forced a 1-1 draw. Mario Stroeykens had given Anderlecht the lead with just minutes remaining, only for the Belgian side to share points.
Other Noteworthy Results
Eintracht Frankfurt edged out Slavia Prague 1-0 thanks to Omar Marmoush’s brilliant free-kick, keeping them two points behind Lazio. Meanwhile, AS Roma settled for a 1-1 draw at Union Saint-Gilloise after Gianluca Mancini’s opening goal was matched by Kevin MacAllister’s equaliser, leaving Roma in 20th with five points.
With each match, the Europa League continues to excite, as teams vie for group dominance and a shot at the title.
