In an electrifying Europa League encounter, Manchester United celebrated Ruben Amorim’s debut at Old Trafford with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt, thanks to a stunning brace from Rasmus Hojlund. Meanwhile, Tottenham faltered at home, allowing Roma to snatch a late equalizer in a frustrating 2-2 draw.
The Red Devils faced early adversity, trailing the Norwegians late in the first half. However, they managed to turn the tide, marking their second consecutive Europa League win after parting ways with Erik ten Hag, following a disappointing series of draws to start their campaign.
United wasted no time in establishing dominance during Amorim’s first match at the helm, finding the back of the net merely two minutes in, a perfect start as Alejandro Garnacho tapped in after Hojlund blocked a weak clearance from visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.
However, defensive frailties once again exposed United when Hakon Evjen equalized in the 19th minute, swiftly followed by Philip Zinckernagel putting Bodo/Glimt ahead just four minutes later. It looked grim for United until Noussair Mazraoui’s cross connected with Hojlund right on the stroke of half-time, leveling the score with a deft volley.
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The hosts regained the lead shortly after the break, with Hojlund prodding the ball in from close range following a neat pass from Manuel Ugarte. United had a scare when it seemed goalkeeper Andre Onana handled the ball outside the area, but the referee allowed play to continue, much to Amorim’s relief as his side held on for a vital win.
On the other side of London, Spurs were unable to build on their remarkable win against Manchester City, with Mats Hummels’ injury-time strike frustrating Ange Postecoglou in a 2-2 draw. Tottenham started brightly, with Son Heung-min confidently slotting home a penalty after Pape Matar Sarr was fouled by Hummels.
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Roma found an equalizer through Evan Ndicka, who reacted to a Paulo Dybala free-kick fifteen minutes later. Despite Brennan Johnson restoring Spurs’ lead just before halftime, the Italian side ramped up the pressure and Hummels equalized with seconds to spare.
Postecoglou’s frustration was palpable as Spurs now sit outside the automatic qualification places for the next round, with the Australian manager reflecting, “It’s frustrating, particularly when they score so late. We probably should have put it to bed earlier and missed some big chances. 2-1 always kept them in the game so disappointing not to see it out… We hit the post three times and had a couple cleared off the line, it felt like we were in control but couldn’t secure the win.”
Earlier in the night, Athletic Bilbao cruised to a 3-0 triumph over Elfsborg, pulling level on points with Lazio at the top of the group. Bilbao, featuring goals from Adama Boiro, Benat Prados, and Gorka Guruzeta, climbed to second place behind Lazio, who remain unbeaten despite a goalless draw against Ludogorets.
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Eintracht Frankfurt also maintained their unbeaten run in the competition, thanks to Omar Marmoush’s penalty in a 2-1 triumph over Midtjylland, while Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen netted once again in a 1-1 draw against AZ Alkmaar.
Lyon secured a significant victory against Qarabag, winning 4-1, and Chelsea topped the Conference League table with a 2-0 win over Heidenheim, marking their fourth straight victory in the competition.
The action-packed night demonstrates the thrilling unpredictability of Europe’s elite Football competition, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.
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