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Showing posts with the label UEL

UEL: Liverpool shocked by Italian side

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 Liverpool 0 - 3 Atalanta A few weeks ago, Liverpool fans were dreaming of 4 trophies. This time next week, there's every chance that they will only be fighting to add the Premier League to their Carabao Cup.  The Anfield side faces a huge battle to stay in the Europa League after suffering a home defeat to Atalanta in the quarter-final first leg.  Let's explore what happened.  The former West Ham United forward Gianluca Scamacca scored in each half. Ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic added a late third goal to ensure the Italians start strong favourites to reach the semi-finals when the sides meet in the return leg in Bergamo.  After a fairly open first 30 minutes or so, Scamacca managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute after Caoimhin Kelleher allowed his low drive to creep under him. On a deeply frustrating night for below-par Liverpool, Darwin Nunez missed two big chances to give Liverpool a foothold in the match. Harvey Elliott's curling attempt somehow managed

UCL: Draw made for last-16

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The draw has been made for the last 16 of the Champions League.  🚨🏆 Thoughts on Champions League draw? pic.twitter.com/NjTTJ2uzWA — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2023 Manchester City will play Copenhagen in the last 16 of the competition.  The Danish champions Copenhagen finished above Manchester United in their group, as they reached the knockout stage for the first time since 2011. This included a 4-3 memorable victory over the Red Devils. The 14-time winners Real Madrid while RB Leipzig. Inter Milan - who finished runners-up last season will face Atletico Madrid. Bayern Munich (led by Harry Kane) will face Lazio. This is the draw in full Porto v Arsenal Napoli v Barcelona Paris St-Germain v Real Sociedad Inter Milan v Atletico Madrid PSV Eindhoven v Borussia Dortmund Lazio v Bayern Munich Copenhagen v Manchester City RB Leipzig v Real Madrid European Super Football contributor Josh gave some thoughts on the draw The luck of the draw has smiled upon the two

UEL: Sevilla win Europa League

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 Sevilla 1 - 1 Roma (Sevilla won 4-1 on penalties) Sevilla claimed a record-extending seventh Europa League title as they beat Roma on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty for the Spanish side following a 1-1 draw. You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. Footage from BT Sport.  Sevilla v Roma (1-1) (Sevilla win 4-1 on penalties) | Mourinho Heartbreak | Europa League Highlights - YouTube   The Spanish side have now won all seven of the finals they have played in the competition since 2006. This most recent success sees them qualify for next season's Champions League despite finishing outside the top four in La Liga. There will be a feeling that it could have been so different for Roma and their manager Jose Mourinho, who had won all five of the previous European finals he had been involved in and guided the club to inaugural Europa Conference League success last term. 🗣️ Mendilibar: "I thank the playe

UEL: Roma to face Sevilla in final

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 Let's explore all the key moments from a dramatic night in the Europa League Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0 - 1 Roma (Roma won 1-0 on aggregate) Jose Mourinho's Roma reached the Europa League final after holding Bayer Leverkusen to a goalless draw in the second leg of the semi-final. Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen side could not find the breakthrough as Jose Mourinho delivered a tactical masterclass.  You can hear what Mourinho had to say in the video below. Footage:  JOSÉ MOURINHO | POST MATCH INTERVIEW | BAYER-ROMA - YouTube Is he still the Special One? Click here to read the latest Mourinho news stories. Can the iconic manager win yet another European trophy? His side can look forward to a second European final in as many years having not reached one for 31 years before last season. Who would they be facing though? They would have to wait another 30 minutes before finding out. UECL: Roma win Europa Conference League (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Sevilla 2 - 1 Juventus (Sevill

UEL reaction: Man United exit Europa League

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 Sevilla 3 - 0 Manchester United (5-2 on aggregate) For 80 minutes at Old Trafford last week, it was all going so well for Manchester United. Then it all fell apart. They were put out of their misery and dumped out of the Europa League quarter-finals following a dreadful second-leg performance in defeat by Sevilla. United were well below their best as they exited Europe with a whimper. The Spanish side were gifted the lead after eight minutes when Youssef En-Nesyri finished following an awful error from Harry Maguire, and Sevilla doubled their advantage shortly after half-time with a looping header from defender Loic Bade. Sevilla's win was complete nine minutes from time when En-Nesyri again capitalised on a shocking mistake, this time from goalkeeper David de Gea, to complete the win. United missed Bruno Manchester United's midfield suffered without Bruno Fernandes in Sevilla. After receiving a yellow card in the first leg at Old Trafford, Fernandes was suspended and miss

UEL: Man United cruise in Europa League

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 Real Betis 0 - 1 Manchester United (Aggregate 1 - 5) After this clinical win, United will face another trip to Seville in the next round.  They cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 5-1 aggregate win at Real Betis. After an open first half, Rashford put United ahead in the 55th minute with a thunderous long-range effort dipping into the bottom corner. The hosts had created plenty of chances before United opened the scoring as Betis' Joaquin saw his early curled effort hit the outside of the post. Erik ten Hag's side had done the hard work in Manchester last week and advanced as 5-1 winners on aggregate. UCL and UEL (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Rashford shines again when it mattered Rashford's impressive form continues. Since he returned from the World Cup, he has scored 19 goals in 24 appearances. He is already in his most productive season in front of goal and remains the highest scorer in the Europa League with six goals from eight matches.

UEL: Man United take commanding first-leg lead

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 Manchester United 4 - 1 Real Betis Manchester United beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the Europa League Round-of-16 clash. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for the Reds in the sixth minute, with a rifling strike that emphatically flew past Claudio Bravo. Despite an excellent start by United, our goal would be cancelled out just after the half-hour mark due to the on-loan Ayoze Perez firing across David De Gea into the bottom corner.  Erik's reds prove too strong Antony restored United's lead with a trademark effort that curled beyond a stranded Bravo, who could only watch as it hit the top corner. Minutes later, Bruno Fernandes got in on the act from Luke Shaw's corner. The no.8 wasn't picked up as he wandered into the area to make it 3-1 on the night.  The final goal fell to Wout Weghorst, scoring his first in front of the Old Trafford faithful. Second-half substitute Facundo Pellistri was at the heart of the move, originally teeing up Scott McTominay who

UEL: Man United progress after a memorable European night

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Manchester United 2 - 1 Barcelona (United win 4-3 on aggregate) This was a tie that should have been a Champions League final.  Manchester United produced a stunning second-half comeback to reach the Europa League last 16.  Brazilian duo Fred and Antony, who came on as a half-time substitute, both drilled home low first-time shots in front of a bouncing Stretford End that had older United fans thinking back to a memorable night in 1984. It was a victory that looked so unlikely at half-time as Barcelona led thanks to Robert Lewandowski's 18th-minute penalty. Antony's arrival at half-time changed the course of the tie as it injected more pace into United's attacks. The Red Devils now move on to Wembley, where they will look to collect their first silverware since 2017. United will face Real Betis in the next round of the competition.  This was the reaction after full-time.  Incredible Scenes At Old Trafford As Manchester United Stars Celebrate Victory Over Barcelona - You

UEL: Barca and United play out a thriller

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Barcelona 2 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United and Barcelona played out a thrilling first-leg draw at the Nou Camp. 🗣️ - Xavi: “I said to Ten Hag, congratulations you are doing very well. This is Manchester United.” #mufc pic.twitter.com/5fPMKOMXp7 — UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) February 16, 2023 Match report Barcelona. grabbed the opener when Marcos Alonso headed in at the back post from Raphinha's corner. United responded immediately through the in-form Marcus Rashford as he slipped in a finish at the near post. The Red Devils showed resilience to turn the game around as Rashford's cross was then turned into his own net by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. Sadly for the away side, they were unable to hold on as ex-Leeds winger Raphinha's cross from wide on the right sailed all the way into the net. Click here for highlights from BT Sport  Barcelona vs Man Utd (2-2) | Rashford scores again in Camp Nou classic! | Europa League Highlights - YouTube Reaction B

UEL reaction: Arsenal clinch top spot

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 Arsenal 1-0 Zurich Let's look at all the best reaction as Arsenal clinched top spot in their Europa League group Kieran Tierney's stunning 20-yard drive into the bottom right corner ensured the Gunners finished top of Group A on 15 points, two clear of PSV Eindhoven. It was their 10th victory in 12 matches in all competitions. This was the reaction of  ArsenalVision Podcast - YouTube What did the papers say? The Guardian's match report said: "In this uniquely concertinaed season, matches played every few days, squads in permanent rotation, results are probably all that matter. Though performances remain important, too, and as Arsenal lost focus against opponents who grew in belief, it appeared their minds had drifted to Sunday, and Chelsea. Three matches remain before Arsenal sign off for the World Cup, two in the Premier League, and still being leaders when football turns its focus on Qatar is clearly top priority. "  Arsenal seal Europa League top spot after

UEL: PSV end Arsenal's unbeaten run

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PSV Eindhoven 2 - 0 Arsenal Arsenal suffered their first defeat in the Europa League  Goals from Joey Veerman and Luuk de Jong denied them the chance to book a spot in the last 16. It ends in defeat in Eindhoven — Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2022 After a tight first-half finished goalless, the introduction of veteran striker De Jong changed the course of the game, as he registered a goal and an assist in eight minutes to seal victory for the hosts inside a raucous Philips Stadion. The result now means that Arsenal needs to beat FC Zurich at home next week to guarantee the top spot in the group and skip February's play-off round. Knowing they had to win to have any chance of topping the group after next week’s final round of games, the hosts took the game to us in the early stages, and Aaron Ramsdale - playing his first-ever European tie - was forced to make a low save early on to push away Xavi Simons’ drive after the youngster found space in midfield. 10 goals, 4 assists

UEL: Arsenal close to securing qualification

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Bodo/Glimt 0-1 Arsenal The Gunners  overcame testing conditions in the Arctic to claim a dogged 1-0 win and maintain their perfect record in this season's Europa League. Bukayo Saka’s first half goal proved enough to take the points, and although it was by no means a classic performance, Mikel Arteta will be happy with the points after making seven changes to the starting line-up. And to put the result into perspective, the Norwegian champions had won each of their last 14 home games in European competition prior to this, including a 6-1 win over Roma this time last year. It edges The Gunners closer to qualification from the group stage, with three matches left. Arsenal fans praised for making trip Despite the long and difficult trip, a number of Arsenal fans from the UK went to the match. One of them told us: "It was an expensive trip bit nothing beats following your team in Europe." Another added: "We have a great chance of winning this competition now. I really h

UEL: Late goal saves Man United

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Manchester United 1 - 0 Omonia Nicosia  Scott McTominay scored a very late winner over Omonia Nicosia to keep alive their hopes of qualifying as winners from their Europa League group. Check out this video from the away fans. It lookd like had an amazing time in Manchester. Credit:  Sisu Gabriel McTominay, introduced with less than 10 minutes remaining, fired in the winner after fellow substitute Jadon Sancho teed him up in the box. The result means United remain three points behind Group E leaders Real Sociedad, who beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 for their fourth win in as many matches in the competition. United dominated and had several huge chances to score but were left frustrated until McTominay's winner.  All the best reaction  Erik ten Hag praised the spirit and belief of his Manchester United side. He said: "The performance before the box was good but the finishing was not that good. Let's hope we save the goals for another week.'' Opposition boss Neil Lenn

UEL: United and Arsenal both win in action packed night

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Omonia Nicosia 2 - 3 Manchester United Manchester United came from behind to beat Onomia Nicosia 3-2 in their latest Group E Europa League clash. The Reds dominated the game, but it was the hosts who took the lead in the first half. Bruno Felipe led the counterattack before Karim Ansarifard finished off the move to open the scoring.  Erik ten Hag called on his bench in the second half, with the introduction of both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial changing the game. The attacking duo both found the net in the second 45, with Rashford levelling the scores before Martial put the Reds ahead. Rashford completed his brace minutes before the end, despite a late goal from Panayiotou to keep Omonia in it. United's game is a Premier League match against Arsenal Read more from the Manchester United website This video contains some of the best goals from a great night of Europa League football. Footage from  UEFA - YouTube Arsenal 3-0 Bodo/Glimt It was a comfortable night of Thursday foo

Remember the European Super League?

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Let's have a look back at one of the most controversial moments of recent history. Many of the world's biggest clubs said they were forming a new competition. The European Super League. You can read the initial report from Greater Manchester Football by clicking the link below Clubs Announce New Super League Competition (greatermanchesterfootball.blogspot.com) At the time of the announcement, the story said: AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona, FC Internazionale Milano, Juventus FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid CF and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the new competition as Founding Clubs.   It is anticipated that a further three clubs will join ahead of the inaugural season, which is intended to commence as soon as practicable.  Proposed format of the competition Twenty participating clubs with fifteen Founding Clubs and a qualifying mechanism for a further five teams to qualify annually based on achievements in

UEL: Eintracht Frankfurt win Europa League

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Eintracht Frankfurt 1 - 1 Rangers (Eintracht Frankfurt win 5-4 on penalties) Rangers suffered a penalty shootout defeat in their fifth European final as Eintracht Frankfurt triumphed. Rafael Borre put home the decisive spot-kick after Aaron Ramsey was denied just moments earlier in front of the Rangers fans at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. Those same people had been euphoric when last season's Scottish champions took the lead through Joe Aribo's ice-cool second-half finish in Seville However, Borre then created some incredible scenes in a jam-packed Eintracht end 12 minutes later as he steered in a soft equaliser to send this energy-sapping contest all the way. Immediate reaction The Rangers players crumpled to their feet as the 11th-placed side in the Bundesliga prevailed in the shootout, executing five composed penalties to claim their second European trophy and a place in next season's Champions League group stages. With the Scottish Cup final in just three days

UEL: Relive a night of drama

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 Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig will both take leads into the second of their Europa League semi-finals. West Ham United 1 - 2 Eintracht Frankfurt West Ham will have to come from behind in Germany next week if they are to reach their first European final in 46 years after Eintracht Frankfurt secured a deserved first-leg advantage at London Stadium. Jarrod Bowen came agonisingly close to snatching a draw for the hosts in stoppage time when his overhead kick from a Declan Rice cross bounced down off the crossbar. Irons. ⚒👏 pic.twitter.com/1PgLUJ9Irc — West Ham United (@WestHam) April 29, 2022 But that would have been harsh on Frankfurt, who were a constant threat on the counter-attack and showed why they had won away at Real Betis and Barcelona already in the knockout stages. The Hammers did recover through Michail Antonio's 11th goal of the season - and his first in the Europa League since September - as he bundled home Kurt Zouma's nod down at the far post. It was Fra

UEL: Sevilla win tight first leg

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Sevilla 1 - 0 West Ham United West Ham's hopes of reaching the next round of the Europa League hang in the balance after they fell to a narrow first-leg defeat in Sevilla. Munir El Haddadi scored the only goal for the home side, sweeping in from Marcos Acuna's free-kick on the hour mark. For most of the game, David Moyes' West Ham side had more than held their own in their first European knockout tie since 1981. We take a one-goal lead to London. Job half done, lads! ✔️ pic.twitter.com/8XUexJ4Ndv — Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 10, 2022 Nikola Vlasic headed an early opportunity directly at the Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Michail Antonio then missed his kick with the follow up from close range. Vlasic also saw Bounou tip a low driven effort around the post. Tomas Soucek then tested the home goalkeeper. Manuel Lanzini also saw his close-range effort blocked as the London club tried to breach the mean Sevilla defence. An exciting Europa League tie also saw the

UEL: Barca looking to build after win against Napoli

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Napoli 2 - 4 Barcelona (3-5 on aggregate) Barcelona looked impressive performance as they beat Napoli to reach the Europa League last 16. They will face Galatasaray in the next round and minds have already started to turn to the challenges ahead They quickly led by two goals when Jordi Alba finished off a counter-attack from Adama Traore's ball. Frenkie de Jong then curled in a stunning shot. Lorenzo Insigne had then given Napoli hope with a penalty to make it 3-2 on aggregate. This was before goals from Gerard Pique and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang essentially sealed the tie. Does glory await Barcelona after a difficult season? Barcelona must now be considered one of the favourites to win the competition. Results have picked up since ex-player Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman. Their front three all sparkled against Napoli. The Italians could not deal with their pressing from the front in the first half as Barca took control of the tie. Traore, on loan from Wolves, has now assisted four

UEL: Barcelona rescue a draw

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Barcelona 1 - 1 Napoli Former Manchester City player Ferran Torres scored a penalty as Barcelona rescued a draw in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie against Napoli. Barca were making their first appearance in this competition in almost 18 years and they fell behind in the first half when Piotr Zielinski drove in. UCL: Barcelona knocked out But they awarded a penalty in the second half by VAR after Adama Traore's cross hit Juan Jesus' hand. Torres stepped up to take the penalty and sent goalkeeper Alex Meret the wrong way. This will have been of significant relief for the striker after he had missed a big chance when the game was goalless, firing over when well placed inside the box. Bon dia, Culers! ☀️ We keep working! 👊 pic.twitter.com/c9h2nm5tKI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 18, 2022 Torres had a good opportunity to win the game for Barcelona late on, but sent his shot over the bar. Ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a quiet game as he mad