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      West Ham 5 Freiburg 0 (agg 5-1): Hammers secure huge comeback win despite Paqueta tantrum after being subbed

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      WEST HAM turned on the style to fire their way into the Europa League quarter-finals.David Moyes took the handbrake off and was rewarded with five goals, including two stunners from Mohammed Kudus.Kudus shone as West Ham won easilyCredit: GettyLucas Paqueta threw a strop after being substituted offCredit: TNT SportsPaqueta opened the scoring for West Ham as they thrashed FreiburgCredit: RexThe đđ«đžđšđŠ start for West Ham đŸ€©Lucas PaquetĂĄ taps home to bring the Hammers level with Freiburg on aggregate within nine minutes 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/7uWVCuZK26— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2024

      After disappointing displays in the first leg and against Burnley on Sunday, this was a reminder of West Ham’s newfound European pedigree.Lucas Paqueta’s early goal got this second leg off to the perfect start before Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell both scored fine goals either side of the break to lift the mood in East London.Kudus then took the roof off with a stunning solo goal, covering three quarters of the pitch on a superb solo run to get his first before drilling in a fabulous fifth to seal an 11th straight home win in Europe.Moyes will continue to split opinion in the stands and debate over whether he should stay or go will rumble on until the summer.But it cannot be denied that when he needs a big performance, the Scot usually gets it. Freiburg, despite being lesser opposition, can be listed alongside Sevilla and Lyon as another memorable night.By the end, the boos from Burnley on Sunday had been replaced by ‘oles’ and optimism of another European push.Despite fears over a struggle to sell tickets due to the early start, the London Stadium was near capacity and full of voice as the Hammers looked to turn this tie around.Backed by the din the hosts made a flying start. Moyes had criticised Paqueta for his performance in Germany last week, but the Brazilian delivered after just nine minutes here.Most read in FootballBowen silenced the critics as he scored on the day he got a call-up to Southgate’s latest England squadCredit: GettyAnd even Aaron Cresswell got in on the actCredit: RexCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALWith set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse dropped to the bench, Aaron Cresswell stepped in and delivered a peach of a corner to the front post.Tomas Soucek’s diving header diverted the ball to the far post where it was met by Paqueta to begin the comeback. Premier League’s Euro adventurers facing crunch week in fight to land England fifth spot in revamped Champions LeagueA lovely finish from Aaron Cresswell 🎯His first-ever European goal gives West Ham a two-goal advantage over Freiburg on aggregate đŸ’Ș#UEL pic.twitter.com/poqFjtIKXU— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2024

      The SunThe opener may have come from a set piece, but the Hammers were already showing more energy than across 90 minutes in the Black Forest, or the first half against Burnley.With the added attacking players, West Ham were still not completely secure at the back.But the addition of Michail Antonio had transformed them going forward and saw Bowen back in his more natural wide role.If there had been doubts about why Gareth Southgate had elected to call-up the winger for England earlier in the day, they were banished just after the half-hour mark when Bowen put the Hammers ahead in this tie for the first time.Collecting Soucek’s header, which had been well left by Antonio, Bowen turned, shrugged off the much bigger Christian Gunter and drilled a superb low effort into the bottom right.After reaching the semi-finals last time they were in this competition and winning the Europa Conference League last season, Moyes had called on his players to show their European clout here.Just minutes into the second half, they stamped their authority on this tie to banish any half-time jitters.Kudus stole the show with two goals on a brilliant night for the HammersCredit: AFPKudus dug a cross out from the left which was half-cleared to Vladimir Coufal. The Czech found Bowen who lifted his head to pick out Cresswell.The left-back, who was sent off in quarter-final and semi-final ties during West Ham’s last Europa League run, composed himself with a touch and lashed a superb finish into the far corner.The best was yet to come, though, with Kudus – another Moyes was unhappy with last week – pulled out a goal of the season contender, picking up the ball deep in his own half, driving 80 yards past three Freiburg defenders and finishing cooling in the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESMoyes had started making the changes and was about to bring Kudus off for youngster George Earthy, but the Ghanaian star was not quite done.Soucek and Bowen broke together with the latter teeing up Kudus on the edge of the box. The ex-Ajax man shaped to bend the ball into the far corner before ratting in at the near post. More

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      Champions League knockout stages set to change forever thanks to Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal

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      FOOTBALL bosses have focused on the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal over the planning for next season’s new-look Champions League.The single-league format features 36 clubs, with the top eight then gaining direct entry to the last-16 stage.Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry has inspired the new-look Uefa knockout formatCredit: GettyThe new-look Champions League begins next seasonCredit: AFPSides that place from ninth to 24th will have play-offs — with the eight winners also going through to the first knockout stage.In planning meetings over the last few years, Uefa chiefs spoke at length about the tennis finals between Nadal and Federer.They discussed how they were kept apart by seeding until the end, of course, Novak Djokovic was also there.So, the teams who finish first and second in the new-style league after eight games will be seeded and not be able to play each other until the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that means for the last-16, there will be a structured route to the final — similar to tennis tournaments — to plot potential clashes.As a result, there will be no quarter-final or semi-final draws as the route will already be planned.And it is also good that there will be no teams in next season’s Champions League dropping into the Europa League, as this silly bonus for failing clubs has been scrapped.Meanwhile, Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.’Very good, I like that’ says Europa League draw host after Man Utd icon John O’Shea’s cheeky joke live on TVThe exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed. More

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      Champions League draw set for major overhaul after chiefs realise it would take FOUR HOURS and 900 balls to complete

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      THE Champions League draw is set for a new look after chiefs realised it could take four hours to complete using the current method.Uefa draws are currently done manually with pots used to separate teams.Uefa draws are set for a revamp ahead of the new look competitionsCredit: AFPBut the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues will see their formats revamped ahead of next season.The 32-team group stage will go in favour of a 36-team mega league.Sides will play eight different opponents before going into the knockout rounds. Each club will be seeded in one of four pots and they must play two opponents from each pot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take three to four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.The exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL In the new look European competitions, the top eight teams in the 36-team league phase quality for the Last 16.They will also be seeded from one to eight in the knockout rounds in a tennis-style draw.Europa Conference League blunder as ex-Turkey keeper Demirel can’t open draw ball before being shown up by host And those that finished between 9th and 24th go into a play-off round to determine who progresses, with clubs placed 9th to 16th seeded so they can’t face each other.The bottom 12 sides are eliminated and there will be no dropping down competitions.From the Last 16 onwards, the current format of home and away legs will remain in place. More

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      Aston Villa fans ‘attacked by Ajax hooligans’ at train station before Europa Conference League clash in Amsterdam

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      SHOCKING footage has emerged appearing to show Aston Villa fans being attacked by Ajax hooligans at a train station.A small group of Brit supporters were reportedly set upon ahead of their Europa Conference League match in Amsterdam on Thursday night.The footage shows one fan struggling to stand up after seemingly having been knocked to the groundCredit: X/@VoetbalUltrasA group of men can then be seen swarming another fan and throwing punchesCredit: X/@VoetbalUltrasAfter they knock the second fan to the ground the hooligans begin kicking himCredit: X/@VoetbalUltrasThe footage shows one fan struggling to stand up after appearing to have been knocked to the floor – while several other men can be seen swarming another Villa supporter.After suffering multiple blows to the head the defenceless fan falls to the ground, while the hooligans continue to kick him.One of the men then turns around and throws a flying punch at the fan who had only just found his feet.The footage then ends abruptly and it is currently unclear what ensued afterwards.read more football hooligansThis is not the first time Ajax hooligans have wreaked chaos ahead of a game.In June 2019, four Ajax thugs were jailed for attacking cops before a Champions League semi-final with Spurs.The four Dutchmen were caught acting violently on CCTV – in a rampage which left one fan with “life threatening” injuries.The Dutch gang-of-four were also banned from every UK football ground for six years.Most read in FootballShocking moment riot police dodge EXPLOSION as Ajax and Marseille fans clash before Europa League matchIn September 2023, riot police were met with multiple explosions as they attempted to disperse clashing Ajax and Marseille fans ahead of their Europa League tie.Riot police got involved in an attempt to separate the two groups, which resulted in them being the target of violence.Police were forced to dodge an explosion that appeared to be a firework, next to a van they had used to create a barrier between fans.And, in October, cops were forced to brandish batons in a bid to stop the violent scenes after Brighton and Ajax played a Europa League match.Shocking video footage emerged showing supporters throwing a mat over a barrier as police shout at them to ‘get back’.As the crowd got larger, the officers were forced to whip out their batons and one ended up on the ground after being pushed over.New rules were introduced by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) earlier last year to tackle the problem of hooliganism.Stadium bans have become part of the Dutch Association’s methods, and as is the suspension of games – which Ajax fans have forced twice since the new rules came in.However, football experts have said that there is now a type of anarchy in place, that requires the adoption of more stringent measures.One Ajax hooligan then throws a flying punch at the fan who just stumbled up from the groundCredit: X/@VoetbalUltras More

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      Firefighters forced to enter pitch during Europa League clash with match halted as flares rain down from ultras

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      UNION SAINT-GILLOISE’S clash with Fenerbahce was halted after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch.The Europa Conference League last-16 showdown took place tonight at the Stade Joseph Marien in Belgium.Firefighters were called into action in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: RexThe clash between Union Saint-Gilloise and Fenerbahce was halted just seconds after the startCredit: RexThe away end continued to throw flares on to the pitch while firefighters removed themCredit: RexSmoke filled the air before the fireworks were eventually clearedCredit: RexHowever, just as the action had got underway, firefighters were forced to step in.As these photos and clip show, a number of flares and fireworks were thrown by Ultras in the away end.Hordes of smoke filled the 9,400-capacity ground as the referee and players remained on the pitch waiting to get the first-leg up and running.But they had to wait until members of the fire service came out to remove the blazing fireworks.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFiremen were pictured attempting to put out the orange flames, while another had hold of two smoking flares as he raced from the field.White and yellow smoke, the colours of the Turkish visitors from Fenerbahce, continued to fill the air.And despite the firefighters racing on to remove the flares, more continued to be hurled from the upper tier down to the turf.Fortunately, after a brief delay, play was eventually resumed.Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Chelsea striker Michy Buatshuayi gave Fenerbahce the lead after 20 minutes of the match.Then, with just six minutes of normal time remaining, the visitors doubled their advantage through Dutch left-back Jayden Oosterwolde.Dundee fans delay Premiership clash vs Hibs by throwing pyro flare on the Easter Road pitchAnd then ex-Southampton attacker Dusan Tadic made it three in the fourth minute of additional time to virtually book their spot in the next round.The two sides meet again next week in second-leg back in Turkey at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.Former Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi gave Fenerbahce the leadCredit: Rex More

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      Europa League LIVE SCORES: West Ham lose to Freiburg, Liverpool BEAT Sparta Prague, Brighton thrashed by Roma – latest

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      ALL eyes are on the Europa League tonight with English sides back in last-16 action. West Ham lost 1-0 to Freiburg and were denied a penalty late on by VAR. Earlier in the evening, Liverpool beat Sparta Prague 5-1 thanks to a brilliant brace from Darwin Nunez and Brighton were thrashed 4-0 by Roma in their first leg clash.
      Kick-off times: 5.45pm GMT & 8pm GMT
      Stream/TV: TNT Sports/Discovery+
      Hammers still confident of progressing
      Despite defeat in Freiburg this evening, David Moyes’ team will go back to the London Stadium full of confidence that they can turn this tie around.
      Only a goal behind, The Hammers have plenty of goals in this team, especially on home soil.
      It is all set up now for another classic night in Europe for the club, something they are starting to get used to now.
      Copy linkCopiedSeagulls unable to take flight in Rome
      Albeit new for Brighton, having to juggle both domestic and European competition, they will be disappointed this evening.
      Roberto De Zerbi will feel his team could have given a far better account of themselves in Rome.
      Suffering a 4-0 defeat it seems a long way back for Brighton if they are stand any chance of progressing to the next round.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedWaturo does thankless job for Klopp
      Defensive midfielders never get the credit they should, especially when you were your club’s third choice to buy after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
      Once again this evening, Waturo Endo put in a solid performance for Liverpool and steadied the ship in the heart of midfield.
      If Jurgen Klopp is going to win trophies in his last season with the club, Endo is going to be one of the big players who will have made that happen.

      Copy linkCopiedCompetitions need clarity of rules
      Rangers can feel hard done by with the penalty they conceded this evening as Souttar was adjudged to have handled in the box.
      In this country, that would not be given as he headed the ball onto his own arm with no intention of doing so.
      However, it seems in Europe that the rules are different and teams need clarity on this or it will cause more negativity.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedAge is but a number, class is permanent
      Angel Di Maria showed this evening why he is an integral part of the success of this Benfica side, even at the ripe old age of 36-years-old.
      He was a constant thorn in the side of Rangers, scoring the penalty that drew the game level in the first half.
      Phillipe Clement will need to have a plan to cope with him at Ibrox if they are to make the quarter-finals.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: AC Milan 4-2 Slavia Prague
      The team who knocked out Newcastle out of Europe look set to have a good chance of making the quarter-finals.
      Milan will take a two-goal lead to Prague for the second leg.
      It is still anybody’s game, the visitors were definitely hampered by going down to ten-men when having a player sent-off this evening.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Marseille 4-0 Villarreal
      A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped the French side to a convincing victory in the ’round of 16′.
      The Spanish side have a massive mountain to climb if they want to progress to the next round.
      Marseille willl feel they are capable of seeing this tie out and booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
      The visitors did not have one single shot on target during the entire game.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Benfica 2-2 Rangers
      The referee brings the game to a close in Portugal.
      Not many teams get anything at the Estadio da Luz, Phillipe Clement’s side must take this as a huge performance.
      They now get to take them back to Ibrox, which no doubt will be bouncing, for the second leg all level.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Freiburg 1-0 West Ham
      It is all over in Germany.
      West Ham are edged out in what was quite an even game.
      Alvarez gave the ball away on the halfway line, which then led to the goal which Freiburg will try to defend in London.

      Copy linkCopiedFreiburg 1-0 West Ham
      90+7. Wow. The referee decides no penalty.
      We are not used to that in the Premier League, any time an official goes to the monitor, the decision changes.
      That seems like West Ham’s last chance of a goal gone.
      Copy linkCopiedFreiburg 1-0 West Ham
      90+6. The ball hits Noah Weisshaupt’s arm in the box.
      West Ham claim for a penalty but the referee is not interested.
      VAR is though and sends him to the monitor.
      Copy linkCopiedBenfica 2-2 Rangers
      86. Roofe is putting in a real shift since coming on for Rangers.
      He is chasing down every ball and making sure the defenders have no time on the ball whatsoever.
      As he challenges Silva, he screams out in pain trying to get a free kick and a booking for the player,
      The referee is not interested and when he realises, making a miraculous recovery and is not injured at all.
      We need to start booking players for this, supposed big hard defenders who simulate fouls.
      Copy linkCopiedFreiburg 1-0 West Ham
      88. Just after the goal, Moyes brings off Ward-Prowse for Phillips.
      Not sure whether that is tactical or just to make sure Gareth Southgate did not have a wasted trip to see his favourite player.
      Either way, time is running out for West Ham to find an equaliser.
      Copy linkCopiedAC Milan 4-2 Slavia Prague
      85. Just as the visitors had worked so hard to get back into this game, they let it slip with another goal conceded.
      Rafael Leao does well again to lay it on a plate for Pulisic and it is a simple finish for the American.
      It gives them a two-goal lead to take into the second leg.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
      Copy linkCopiedFreiburg 1-0 West Ham
      81. The deadlock is finally broken in the final ten minutes.
      In what has been a very even game, Michael Gregoritsch gets the all important goal in Germany.
      Roland Sallai shoots across goal and the Austrian sub nips in between two West Ham players to poke home.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg)
      Copy linkCopiedBenfica 2-2 Rangers
      67. Rangers have hit the self-destruct button in Portugal.
      A curling ball is swung into the box and Goldson only has Rangers players around him, with the ball seemingly heading back to Butland.
      Goldson gets his head to it and puts it in the far corner of his own goal.
      Copy linkCopiedOwn goal – Connor Goldson (Rangers)
      Copy linkCopiedFreiburg 0-0 West Ham
      65. Almost the deadlock broken in Germany.
      Jarrod Bowen cuts in from the right and bends a left-footed shot towards goal which seems to be heading in.
      Noah Atubolu makes a sublime save to deny the visitors a goal.
      Copy linkCopiedAC Milan 3-2 Slavia Prague
      65. The visitors do not seem to have read the script tonight.
      As AC Milan fail to clear their lines in their own box, Schranz reacts quickest to slot the ball home.
      This puts the cat amongst the pigeons at the San Siro for the remainder of the game.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Ivan Schranz (Slavia Prague)
      Copy linkCopiedBenfica 1-2 Rangers
      56. The Portuguese side are still trying to get forward at any opportunity but Clement’s side are defending well.
      Not that it is back against the wall stuff as Rangers have had their fair share of half-chances also.
      They just seem to need to show a little more composure in the final third.
      Credit: Willie Vass
      Copy linkCopiedMarseille 4-0 Villarreal
      60. The French side are looking to get this tie won tonight.
      A sublime lob from the former Arsenal striker with his left-foot to increase the lead.
      This could turn into an even heavier defeat for the Spaniards with 30 minutes of the game still to play.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille)
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Why have Aston Villa changed their shirt sponsor for Europa Conference League clash with Ajax?

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      ASTON VILLA continue their Europa Conference League campaign with a trip to Ajax TONIGHT.Unai Emery’s side breezed through the group stage, topping Group E with 13 points.Ollie Watkins has been in fine form in the Premier League and the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GETTYThe Villans are also in fantastic form in the Premier League this season, sitting fourth in the English top flight.Only Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have a superior points tally to the West Midlands outfit.Villa fans are hoping they can defy the odds and secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.But this campaign, the Villans are hoping for European success in the Conference League, with a trip to Dutch giants Ajax next on the agenda.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy have Aston Villa changed their shirt sponsor for their clash with Ajax?Aston Villa will be wearing the logo of Acorns, the children’s hospice charity, when they take on Ajax in the Netherlands on Thursday night.The Villans have been a long-term partner of the charity – and the Acons logo was on the front of their iconic shirts between 2008 and 2010.Acorns was Aston Villa’s front-of-shirt sponsor between 2008-2010Credit: GETTYAston Villa’s primary front-of-shirt sponsor this season has been gambling firm BK8, but due to Dutch advertising regulations, the West Midlands outfit will be unable to have the brand on their kits on Thursday night.In 2022, the Netherlands introduced stricter rules on advertising gambling, which included banning gambling adverts and preventing gambling-related kit and team sponsorships.Most read in FootballVilla also changed their kit sponsor earlier this season when they travelled to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, with the Aston Villa Foundation being their front-of-shirt sponsor.What TV channel is Ajax vs Aston Villa on and can it be live streamed?
      Ajax vs Aston Villa will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3.
      You can live stream the match on the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Premier League’s Euro adventurers facing crunch week in fight to land England fifth spot in revamped Champions League

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      ENGLAND’S Euro adventurers can take a massive step towards securing the Prem a fifth Champions League spot for next season this week..Uefa’s competitions revamp will see the Champions League extended to 36 teams and a “Swiss model” league system from next season.Arsenal are amongst the six English clubs still in European competitionCredit: GettyLiverpool return to Europa League action against Sparta Prague on ThursdayCredit: ReutersTwo of the extra places go to the top two performing nations across the three Uefa competitions in the preceding campaign.England go into the completion of the last 16 stage of the Champions League – and the full equivalent in the Europa League and Conference League – in third position in the table, behind Italy and Germany.But unlike the first stage of post-Christmas knock-out action, when only Manchester City and Arsenal were involved, all six of the Prem’s remaining teams will play this month.And by the time the quarter-final survivors are known, it will be far clearer if England is on course for an extra place – or if the race for the top four will become even more vital.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity will lead the English expedition when they complete their last 16 tie against Copenhagen, after the 3-1 win in the Danish capital, although Arsenal’s home leg against Porto is next week.But Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa are all in action on Thursday, with the chance to propel England into the top two of the coefficient table.All wins are worth two points, with a draw earning one, plus bonus points for reaching specfic stages of the three competitions.A country’s total points haul is then divided by the number of teams which entered across the three events at the start of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat is why, despite grossing the most total points so far – 111 – England’s current total, divided by eight, is 13.875pts, with Italy on top with 15.571 and Germany second on 14.5.City’s expected win over the Danish champions would add 0.375pts to the Englnd tally.Europa League draw revealed as Liverpool face Sparta Prague, Brighton get horror draw and West Ham face familiar foeMeanwhile, Bayern Munich and Leipzig must come back from first leg defeats by Lazio and Real Madrid respectively this week.Failure to do so would open the door for England – with all four teams playing away from home – to overtake the Germans and move into a great position on Thursday – especially given the respective draws.Liverpool, red hot favourites for the Europa League, face Czechs Sparta Prague but Brighton’s trip to Roma and West Ham’s third meeting of the season with Freiburg can directly impact the race of the extra slots.A win over two legs for Villa against Ajax would also bolster the Prem position.Serie A has three sides still in the Europa League, with Milan and Atalanta alongside Roma, and Fiorentina in the Conference League.Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen and Dortmund – whose Champions League second leg is next week – are the remaining Bundesliga clubs left.The other candidate who could get back into the mix is Spain, currently fifth on 13.187 but with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sociedad – who trail PSG 2-0 – also in the Champions League and Villarreal in the Europa League.A clean slate of English wins this week would net a total haul of 1.375 points, with a repeat and progression next week – Arsenal start 1-0 down against Porto –  adding a further 1.75pts including bonuses.Treble winners Manchester City lead Copenhagen following their first leg in DenmarkCredit: GettyExits for Leipzig, Bayern and Freiburg – West Ham won both group stage meetings – would leave German hopes of retaking the lead over England hugely damaged.And further down the coefficient table, Rangers will be urging Liverpool, Milan and Swiss side Servette to all oust their Czech opponents, espeically if they are ejected by Portuguese giants Benfica.READ MORE SUN STORIESScotland are currently 10th in the five-year country standings, holding onto the last automatic league stage spot for the 2025-26 version of the Champions League.But the Czechs are close behind and can overtake Scotland, meaning the SPL champions would have to go into the preliminary round knock-out stage in August 2025. More