It’s February which can only mean the return of European football and the Europa League. As we enter the round of 32, the competition has become stronger with teams dropping down from the Champions League taking part.
With some very interesting ties on offer here are TIBS News’ winners and losers from the first legs.
THE WINNERS
5. Roma
The Italian side got back to winning ways in Europe with a 2-0 triumph at Braga. Goals from Edin Dzeko and Borja Mayoral have put them in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Rome. Dzeko ended a run of five games without a goal and Mayoral scored his fourth Europa League goal of the season.
4. Ajax
The Dutch side have made a positive start to their Europa League campaign after dropping out of the Champions League. Goals from Dusan Tadic and Brian Brobbey – on his Europa League Ajax debut – were enough to give them the advantage going into the return leg next week.
Despite missing Andre Onana and Sebastian Haller, the Dutch side made Europa League history by becoming the first team to win a game after being behind until the 86th minute (excluding extra-time). They will be hoping to improve from last season’s exit at the round of 32.
3. Tottenham Hotspur
It was back to winning ways for Tottenham with a convincing 4-1 away win against Wolfsberger. Goals from Son Heung-min, Gareth Bale, Lucas Moura and Carlos Vinicius put the Premier League side on the brink of reaching the last 16. The game was moved from Austria and held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Europa League could become the main target for Spurs to get back into the Champions League as they currently sit ninth in the Premier league with teams around them having games in hand too.
2. Manchester United
Manchester United cruised to a 4-0 away victory against Real Sociedad in Turin to put one foot in the last 16 of the Europa League. Two goals from Bruno Fernandes and strikes from Marcus Rashford and Daniel James have given the Red Devils a commanding lead. It also continued their fine away form this season.
The victory was the first time United had beaten a Spanish side in Europe since beating Celta Vigo in the 2017 Europa League semi-final on their way to winning the title.
1. Rangers
Rangers continued their fine form this season by scoring four away goals in a 4-3 win over Royal Antwerp. Rangers are flying the flag for Scotland in Europe and have lost only one of their last 40 matches in all competitions.
Going into Thursday’s game, Rangers were unbeaten in the Europa League this season, scoring 17 goals in the process. Goals from Joe Aribo, Borna Barisic (two) and Ryan Kent were enough to give the Gers a slender lead going into next week’s second leg.
THE LOSERS
5. Kelechi Iheanacho
Despite not having a bad game overall, Iheanacho picked up a yellow card with his first involvement of the game in the 65th minute which rules him out of the second leg due to suspension.
His absence leaves the Foxes a little short of attacking options. Ayoze Perez is currently injured, while star striker Jamie Vardy is 34 and it remains to be seen if he can play multiple games consecutively after his recent injury.
4. Leicester City
Leicester City participated in their first Europa league knockout stage and endured a night of missed opportunities. The Foxes created the better chances, with Harvey Barnes going close on a couple of occasions, but will feel frustrated that they couldn’t score an away goal.
Will that come back to haunt them?
3. Krasnodar
The Russian side have returned to the Europa League after their exit from the Champions league earlier this season. It wasn’t a welcome return to the competition though as they suffered a 3-2 home defeat by Dinamo Zagreb.
Krasnodar had come into the fixture unbeaten in their last two European games with a win against Rennes and draw away to Chelsea. However two goals from Bruno Petkovic and an Iyayi Atiemwen strike put pay to that.
2. Real Sociedad
The Spanish side have a mammoth task on their hands to overturn a 4-0 deficit to continue their European adventure this season. Sociedad went into the game against Manchester United unbeaten in their last four Europa League games (winning one and drawing three) but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Sociedad are currently fifth in LaLiga, seventh points off fourth having played a game more.
1. Napoli
Not the ideal start to the last 32 for Napoli as they trail Granada 2-0. Unbeaten in their last five Europa league games coming into Thursday, Napoli needed to start strong and score a crucial away goal but did anything but that.
The Italian outfit are currently fifth in Serie A on 40 points but do have a game in hand. Perhaps winning the Europa League could be a route into the Champions League for them. However, they’ll need to drastically improve in the return leg.
