During the first day of the league phase of the Europa League, Lyon snatched a precious victory against Olympiakos (2-0). For their part, Fenerbahçe, Rangers and Tottenham won, while Roma were held in check by Bilbao (1-1).
After Wednesday’s matches, and the draw between Nice and Real Sociedad, the first day of the Europa League ended this Thursday evening.
Lyon reassures itself against Olympiakos
Four days after a frustrating defeat against OM (2-3), Olympique Lyonnais finally returned to victory by beating Olympiakos (2-0) for their return to the Europa League. Despite a partially empty Groupama Stadium following UEFA sanctions, Pierre Sage’s men dominated the match by imposing high pressure and controlling possession.
Lyon took the lead in the second half thanks to a nice goal from Rayan Cherki (65th), followed by an effort from Saïd Benrahma (71st). The Rhone residents nevertheless came close to disaster at the end of the match with an own goal canceled for offside. This victory allows Lyon to breathe and get back on a good footing in European competition.
Fenerbahçe and Rangers ensure
For his part, Fenerbahce got their European campaign off to a good start by beating Union Saint-Gilloise (2-1). After a difficult start to the match, the Turks opened the scoring thanks to Caglar Söyüncü (27th) before an own goal from Burgess put them away for good (82nd). Despite a late reduction in the score from Ross Sykes (90th + 3), Fenerbahçe managed the end of the match well to take three precious points.
Meanwhile, the Glasgow Rangers showed their efficiency by winning 2-0 in Malmö. Nedim Bajrami opened the scoring very early (3rd), and Ross McCausland sealed the victory in the last quarter of an hour (83rd), giving the Scots a successful start.
Bilbao snatches a draw against Roma, Tottenham wanders
The match between AS Roma and Athletic Bilbao also marked this first day of the Europa League. The Romans took the lead thanks to a goal from Artem Dovbyk (32nd), but Bilbao equalized at the end of the game thanks to Aitor Paredes (85th), thus frustrating José Mourinho’s men.
Tottenhamfor his part, had a quieter evening against Qarabag (3-0). After the rapid expulsion of Dragusin for Qarabag (8th), Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for the Spurs (12th). Pape Matar Sarr (53rd) and Dominic Solanke (68th) then sealed the victory for the Londoners, who were never really worried, even after a missed penalty by Qarabag in the 58th minute.
Ekitike shines, Ajax impresses
Among the other notable encounters of the evening, l’Ajax Amsterdam offered a demonstration by winning 4-0 against Besiktas, thanks in particular to a double from Mika Godts. In Frankfurt, Hugo Ekitike stood out despite his team’s draw against Plzen (3-3), with a goal and an assist.
Thus, this first day of the Europa League saw solid performances from Lyon, Fenerbahçe, Rangers, and Tottenham, while Roma were held back by Bilbao in a tighter match.
The results of the 1st day of the Europa League :
AZ Alkmaar 3 – 2 Elfsborg Boras
Bodo/Glimpse 3 – 2 FC Porto
Dynamo Kiev 0 – 3 Lazio Rome
FC Midtjylland 1 – 1 Hoffenheim
Galatasaray 3 – 1 PAOK Salonika
Manchester United 1 – 1 FC Twente
Nice 1 – 1 Real Sociedad
Ludogorets Razgrad 0 – 2 Slavia Prague
Anderlecht 2 – 1 Ferencvaros
Fenerbahce 2 – 1 Union Saint-Gilloise
Malmö FF 0 – 2 Glasgow Rangers
Ajax Amsterdam 4 – 0 Besiktas
AS Rome 1 – 1 Athletic Bilbao
Eintracht Francfort 3 – 3 Viktoria Plzen
FCSB 4 – 1 Riga FS
Lyon 2 – 0 Olympiakos
Braga 2 – 1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Tottenham 3 – 0 Karabagh FC
