In a much-needed boost, Manchester United finally clinched their first European victory in over a year, overcoming PAOK with a solid 2-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday night at Old Trafford.
Two stunning second-half goals from Amad Diallo were instrumental in securing the much-awaited triumph, lifting United’s prospects of advancing in the tournament. This victory comes as Tottenham Hotspur saw their flawless start to the season cut short by a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in Turkey.
The last time United tasted European victory was on October 24 last year when they defeated Copenhagen in the Champions League. Reflecting on the team’s long-awaited success, interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy stated, “We discussed our previous performances in the dressing room, and we knew it was time for a change, which we successfully achieved tonight.”
Diallo’s opener came in the 50th minute from a superb looping header that found its way past PAOK keeper Dominik Kotarski. The forward then doubled the lead with a deftly placed, deflected shot from outside the box in the 77th minute.
This marks Van Nistelrooy’s second victory in three matches since stepping in as interim manager, with one last game against Leicester City on the horizon before Ruben Amorim takes the reins. While it remains unclear what role Van Nistelrooy will have post-transition, he is focused on fortifying United’s position ahead of Amorim’s appointment.
Following a dismal start that left them languishing at 14th in the Premier League, United parted ways with Erik ten Hag last week. Amorim swiftly filled the managerial void, but it has been left to Van Nistelrooy to captivate the squad during a transitional period as the Portuguese manager completes his notice period at Sporting Lisbon.
In other exciting news, Victor Osimhen starred for Galatasaray, netting twice in a swift eight-minute span to guide the Turkish giants to a gripping 3-2 victory over Tottenham. Osimhen’s first goal, marking his maiden European strike for Galatasaray post his transfer from Napoli, came courtesy of a pinpoint low shot inside the right post, putting the home side ahead in the 31st minute. Just eight minutes later, he headed home a delicious cross from Dries Mertens to extend the lead further.
Despite Tottenham’s rich run of form and three previous wins in the competition, they stumbled here, drawing level through Will Lankshear, who marked just his second senior outing with a close-range finish after a deft cross from Brennan Johnson. However, Lankshear found himself sent off following a second yellow card in the hour mark, leaving Spurs in a tighter spot. Dom Solanke managed to pull one back for Spurs with a cheeky backheel finish in the 69th minute, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
With all matches commencing with a moment of silence honoring the victims of the devastating flooding in Spain, the football world showed unity amid the competition.
In other matches, Lazio maintained their perfect record with a last-gasp goal from Pedro Rodríguez sealing a 2-1 victory over Porto. Ajax had a successful night as well, boasting five different goal scorers in a commanding 5-0 dismantling of Maccabi Tel-Aviv. Alkmaar also impressed, as substitutes contributed to a resounding 3-1 win over Fenerbahce, marking the first loss of the campaign for José Mourinho’s side.
Latvia’s RFS salvaged a draw with Anderlecht with a stoppage-time equalizer, while Eintracht Frankfurt edged past Slavia Prague with a 1-0 victory thanks to Omar Marmoush’s goal. Roma, meanwhile, stumbled again, drawing 1-1 at Union Saint-Gilloise after a setback against Hellas Verona in Serie A.
In the Conference League, Chelsea shattered records with an astonishing 8-0 thrashing of Armenian club Noah, marking the heaviest defeat in the league’s history. Goals from João Félix, a brace from Christopher Nkunku, and contributions from other stars ensured Chelsea’s status as one of six teams boasting a perfect record after three matches.
With thrilling narratives unfolding in European football, fans around the globe continue to be treated to a captivating season as the drama intensifies.
