European Super Football

Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Qarabag Tottenham kicked off their Europa League campaign with an impressive win against Qarabag, despite being reduced to 10 men just seven minutes into the match. This was great preparation as Spurs will face an important few weeks in different competitions. For this match, there was a 35-minute delay to the start due to various travel disruptions across London. A closer look at what happened Spurs suffered an early setback when defender Radu Dragusin was sent off for a last-man foul on Juninho, who was through on goal. Nevertheless, five minutes later Brennan Johnson found the net, capitalising on Qarabag's sloppy attempt to play out from the back. Dominic Solanke set up the 23-year-old, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, marking his third goal in as many games. Tottenham doubled their lead in the 52nd minute through Pape Sarr, who controlled a loose ball at the far post before firing it home. Qarabag were awarded a penalty just three...

Celtic kept alive their Europa League knockout hopes with a hard-fought win over the Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. Kyogo Furuhashi slid home the opener from a sublime Jota pass after a frustrating first half. Balint Vecsei's unfortunate own goal final confirmed Celtic's win after Callum McGregor's had previously missed a penalty. Celtic's defeats against Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen meant they had to win this match to have any chance of progressing in the competition. This was something acknowledged by manager Ange Postecoglou before the match. Click here for more Celtic news Some stats for you Celtic have won six of their eight matches at home to Hungarian opponents in all European competitions (D1 L1), keeping a clean sheet in four of their last five such games. A stat provided from the BBC:  Celtic have now ended a run of fourteen Europa League matches without a clean sheet. They recordedone for the first time since October 2019 at home to CFR Cluj. The Glasg...

Cercle Brugge 1 - 0 Kilmarnock (Cercle Brugge won 2-1 on aggregate) Before the match, Bruges was awash in blue and white as 2,500 Kilmarnock fans flocked to the city. However, there was no European triumph for the Ayrshire men, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cercle Brugge, losing 2-1 on aggregate in their Europa League second qualifying round tie. The matchwinner for the hosts was Thibo Somers, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up by Liam Donnelly and Lewis Mayo to score in a scrappy affair at the Jan Breydelstadion. Despite the defeat, the travelling fans had something to cheer about early in the second half when Robby McCrorie saved a Kevin Denkey penalty. Kilmarnock, despite their efforts, couldn’t find a breakthrough and will now move to the Europa Conference League, facing Norwegian side Tromso in the third qualifying round, with the home leg at Rugby Park next Thursday. Derek McInnes made two changes to the side from the first leg, with last season's top scorer Marley ...

Ajax 0 - 1 Panathinaikos It finished 1-1 on aggregate with Ajax winning 13-12 on penalties Ajax beat Panathinaikos on penalties after an epic shootout featuring 34 spot-kicks to reach the Europa League qualifying play-off round. Ajax Goalkeeper Remko Pasveer saved five penalties and scored one, while defender Anton Gaaei scored the winning kick for Ajax. The Dutch side won despite Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey missing two spot-kicks, with Bertrand Traore and Youri Baas were also off target for the home side.  This was the second-highest penalty shootout score in a European competition, just behind Glentoran's 14-13 loss to Gzira United in last season's Conference League qualifiers. The match went to penalties after the Greek team secured a 1-0 win in Amsterdam, bringing the overall score to 1-1. Tete's goal in the 89th minute forced extra time. The match ultimately ended without any further goals. Best reaction William, a Liverpool fan from Bradford, watched the...

Atalanta 3 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning hat-trick as Atalanta ended their 61-year trophy drought, crushing Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of an unbeaten season in the Europa League final at a lively Aviva Stadium. Both teams brought a massive wave of support and vibrant colours to Dublin for what was Atalanta’s first European final and only Leverkusen’s third. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side had remained undefeated for 51 games this season and were just two matches away from perfection. The former Charlton Athletic winger Lookman had other plans. He netted the first goal with a top-corner strike from Davide Zappacosta’s cutback. His second goal was a thing of beauty, nutmegging Granit Xhaka before curling a fantastic shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Lookman's third was equally brilliant, a step-over to beat Edmond Tapsoba before smashing the ball into the roof of the net. Leverkusen who have been known for their dramatic comebacks this season...

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...

 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...

Manchester United 2 - 1 Rangers Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure victory over Rangers in their all-British clash at Old Trafford. Author - Liam C Stadium - Old Trafford Rangers fans had barely finished celebrating what they thought was a late equaliser from Cyriel Dessers, whose superb 88th-minute strike found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. However, Fernandes quickly silenced the visiting supporters, latching onto Lisandro Martínez's pinpoint cross to the far post and driving a first-time shot through Jack Butland's legs. In the directors' box, legendary former United manager – and ex-Rangers striker – Sir Alex Ferguson could only shake his head at the thrilling finale. The dramatic conclusion ensured the match wouldn’t be remembered solely for Butland's unfortunate own goal. The Rangers goalkeeper attempted to punch away Christian Eriksen's corner in the 52nd minute but inadvertently sent...

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 ...

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 Barcelon...

 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. ...

 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 (Sevi...

West Ham United reached the Europa League knockout stage despite a late own goal from Tomas Soucek  The Hammers have 10 points from four games. They are six clear of Genk with two games left and look set to go through as Group H winners. Finishing top of the group would guarantee them a last-16 spot. The group runners up to go into a play-off with a third-placed team from the Champions League. Dinamo Zagreb's 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna left the Croatian side second, four points behind West Ham.  KRC Genk 2 - 2 West Ham United These highlights are from the BT Sport YouTube channel. One fan told us: "Not the best performance but we'll be playing European football Christmas. That doesn't happen very often!" Dinamo Zagreb 3 - 1 Rapid Vienna These Dinamo players were clearly delighted with their performance. They have given themselves a great chance of joining West Ham in the next round. Three points and three goals for Dinamo Zagreb against Rapid Wien 👏💙 #UEL pi...

Manchester United 4 - 1 Real Sociedad (Manchester United won 5-3 on aggregate) Bruno Fernandes delivered a captain’s performance at Old Trafford, scoring a hat-trick to guide Manchester United past 10-man Real Sociedad and into the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon. Author - Olivia T Stadium - Old Trafford With their European hopes hanging by a thread and the Europa League representing their only realistic route back into continental competition next season, United could hardly have made a worse start. Mikel Oyarzabal put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after Matthijs de Ligt brought him down inside the box. But the hosts responded swiftly, levelling just six minutes later when Fernandes kept his composure from 12 yards after Igor Zubeldia had fouled Rasmus Højlund as he surged towards goal. Remarkably, a third penalty of the night put United in front. Sociedad were left furious after Aritz Elustondo was penalised for a challenge on January signing Pa...

Celtic picked up a crucial Europa League victory against Ferencvaros in Budapest. The Glasgow side moved a point behind Real Betis, who were thrashed 4-0 at Bayer Leverkusen, with two games to play in the group. The Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou told BT Sport: "Full credit to the boys. It was three great goals, I thought we could have had a couple more. I'm disappointed at conceding the second goal as I don't think it was a true reflection of how we played tonight. "The fact we can get three goals away from home is because we just go at teams. I still think that is the way forward. It's the kind of team we want to be and I think it's the team our supporters want us to be." One Celtic fan told us: "After some of the appalling performances last season, this campaign has been a breath of fresh air. We are looking superb at times and we could easily progress to the next stage of this competition." Another spoke with great passion about their man...

Semi-final first leg: Real Madrid 1 - 1 Manchester City A screamer from Kevin de Bruyne earned Manchester City a Champions League semi-final first-leg draw at Real Madrid. Manchester City know that any win at home against Madrid will send them to only their second Champions League final, against either Inter Milan or AC Milan. Will Manchester City win The Treble this season? Click here to read all the latest news and stories from The Etihad Stadium. Let's now explore all the best reaction. Luka Modric said: “We put in a good performance, the tie is still open." Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti added: "We deserved to win it.” 🏁 FT: @realmadriden 1-1 @ManCity ⚽ @vinijr 36'; De Bruyne 67' #UCL pic.twitter.com/OlMvSwn2tI — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 9, 2023 One Twitter user replied: " Happy that we stopped Haaland. However, we could have done better. Lets hope for the best in the second-leg." Andy is a City fan who is conflicted...

Manchester United 1 - 1 Twente Christian Eriksen experienced both triumph and disappointment for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s side faltered at the beginning of their Europa League journey, drawing with Twente, the Dutch manager’s boyhood club. Eriksen put United ahead in the first half with a brilliant finish from inside the box.However, a determined Twente side capitalised on Eriksen's mistake when he was dispossessed by Sam Lammers just outside United’s penalty area. The former Rangers player wasted no time, unleashing a powerful shot that flew past Andre Onana. Ten Hag's men had chances to secure a late win, but Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall was in fine form, denying Joshua Zirkzee’s left-footed attempt that seemed destined for the net. Earlier, Unnerstall had also made a spectacular reflex save to stop Mees Hilgers from scoring an own goal. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, came close as well, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo had a penalty shout waved away. Foll...

There has been a huge transfer announcement  Harry Kane, the England captain, has completed a move to Bayern Munich, the German champions, agreeing to a four year contract. This transfer marks the conclusion of a record-setting spell with Tottenham Hotspur. The transfer has been completed for an initial sum of around 100 million euros (£86.4 million), and there are additional provisions for performance-related bonuses.  For Spurs. he has etched his name into the record books as their leading goal scorer of all time. He has netted an impressive 280 goals in a total of 435 appearances for the club. Kane has won the Premier League Golden Boot on three occasions - in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2020-21. With 213 goals from 320 games in the English top flight, he needed just 48 more to break Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record. Kane, who is also England's all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals and was the top scorer at the 2018 World Cup, has never won a major t...

Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Elfsborg Tottenham battled through yet another injury setback to book their place in the last 16 of the Europa League, with teenage sensation Mikey Moore capping off the victory over Elfsborg in style. Author - Greg S Stadium - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Already missing 12 players due to injury and ineligibility, Spurs suffered another blow when substitute defender Radu Dragusin went off injured in the second half with the game still goalless. However, 20-year-old Dane Scarlett lifted the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, heading the hosts into the lead in the 70th minute. Fellow substitute Damola Ajayi, 19, then doubled the advantage, before 17-year-old winger Moore sealed the win in stoppage time with a stunning low finish after a surging run. In doing so, the London-born youngster (17 years and 172 days) made history, breaking Jimmy Greaves’ long-standing record (set at 17 years and 245 days in October 1957) to become the youngest-ever English goa...

 Bayern Munich 1 - 0 Arsenal  (Bayern Munich won 3-2 on aggregate) Arsenal endured a heart-wrenching departure from the Champions League as Bayern Munich clinched victory in a thrilling match at the Allianz Arena. Joshua Kimmich's commanding header in the 63rd minute, off Raphael Guerreiro's cross, sealed the Germans' path to the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win, following a 2-2 draw in London in the first leg. Despite hosting the first leg at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal were optimistic about progressing against a Bayern Munich squad that had struggled in their domestic campaign and were missing key players Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman due to injuries. In a tense second leg, observed by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, Gabriel Martinelli had the best opportunity of the first half for the Gunners but failed to beat Manuel Neuer, who made a crucial save after Jamal Musiala's earlier attempt. UCL and UEL (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Although Harry Kane had limite...