Share this
Apoorv Dwivedi
UEFA Europa League is the second-tier European competition. Its knockout matches began last night with 8 matches being played on a single night.
The competition follows similar rules as UEFA Champion’s League. Each team plays two matches against an opponent, one at their home ground and one in the latter’s home ground. The priority which was given to away goals of a team has been taken back.
Barcelona vs Napoli
Barcelona played its first Europa league match in nearly 20 years. It was pin-drop silence at Camp Nou when Napoli Striker Zielinski netted in the 29th minute. They held on to the lead for half an hour before an accidental handball (Touching Football with hand) led to a penalty for Barcelona.
Ferran Torres took the spot-kick and leveled the score 1-1. After that goal, Napoli went defensive while Barcelona substituted new attackers, Dembele and Luuk de Jong to win the match. Ferran Torres had a rough night as he missed 4 big chances and was seen crying on the pitch after the final whistle.
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund
Heading into its home ground Westfalenstadion without striker Erling Haaland, Dortmund had a rough night. They were defeated 4-2 by the Scottish club Rangers. This is an unexpected result because of the talent and experience Dortmund had on the pitch. To make matters worse defender Zagadou put the ball in his own net in the 54th minute and conceded an own goal.
Rest of the matches
Five-time Europa League champion Sevilla convincingly defeated Dinamo Zagreb 3-1. Portuguese Club Porto held off Lazio 2-1 in a closely contested match.
Later in the Night Leicester City playing in its home ground run riot on Randers 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League match. Marseille defeated Qarabag 3-1 while Czech club Slavia Praha beat Turkish club Fenerbache by 3-2. (Clubs of Israel and Turkey take part in European competition while the national teams play in the Europe division).
EUROPA LEAGUE RESULTS
- Barcelona vs Napoli (1-1)
- Real Betis vs Zenit (3-2)
- Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund (4-2)
- Sheriff vs Sporting Braga (2-0)
- Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb (3-1)
- RB Leipzig vs Real Sociedad (2-2)
- Atlanta vs Olympiakos Piraeus (2-1)
- Porto vs Lazio (2-1)
EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE RESULTS
- PSV vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (1-0)
- Slavia Praha vs Fenerbahce (3-2)
- Midtjyland vs PAOK (1-0)
- Rapid Wien vs Vitesse (2-1)
- Olympique Marsielle vs Qarabag (3-1)
- Leicester City vs Randers (4-1)
- Bodo vs Celtic (3-1)
- Partizan vs Sparta Praha (1-0)