Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona boss Xavi shares private messages to Erik ten Hag after Man Utd draw in Europa League

      by

      BARCELONA boss Xavi has revealed what he told Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the two European juggernauts played out a 2-2 draw in the Europa League.The two sides met at the Camp Nou on Thursday in an enthralling round of 32 first leg clash.
      Xavi has revealed what he privately told Erik ten Hag after the 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea ace Marcus Alonso handed Barcelona the lead in the 50th minute.
      But Marcus Rashford inspired a Red Devils comeback, equalising two minutes later.
      Rashford then forced Jules Kounde to turn the ball into the back of his own net in the 59th minute to hand Man Utd the lead.
      Former Leeds main man Raphinha came to Barca’s rescue, though, scoring 14 minutes from time.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      After the game, Xavi revealed he congratulated Ten Hag, who appears to have United on an upward trend.
      Barca are on a similar trajectory themselves, topping LaLiga by eight points.
      Xavi says a Barca-Man Utd clash can be Champions League final-worthy in the future.
      He said after the draw: “It was a really tough game with a lot of passion and intensity.
      Most read in Europa League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “We have to be proud because we competed until the end. We played against a top team in Europe.
      “Manchester [United] is coming back and today they showed their best version.
      “Both teams are more or less in the same position. We are coming back.

      “I told Ten Hag congratulations because he is doing very well.
      “It can be a final or semi-final in the future Champions League.”
      There were 36 shots in total at the Camp Nou More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League top scorer 2022/23: Who is leading the race?

      by

      ITS every players dream to be awarded for being the top scorer in any competition – and there’s a real rat race on for the Europa League golden boot this year.Last season, Rangers talisman James Tavernier pipped Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi to the prize despite the Scots losing in the final to Eintracht Frankfurt.
      James Tavernier won last season’s top scorer award despite losing in the finalCredit: PA
      But elite strikers such as Robert Lewandowski will be eyeing the award this time around.
      However, the Poland goal machine will have to surpass Marcus Rashford first who is closing in on the top spot.
      Who scored this week in the Europa League?
      Marcus Rashford continued his phenomenal form after scoring in Manchester United’s first leg playoff against Barcelona.
      And it took the England international’s tally up to three – just one behind the current top scorer.
      Read more on Europa League
      Europa League top scorers 2022/23
      Vitinha (Braga) – 4Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord) – 4Anastasios Bakasetas (Trabzonspor) – 3Cody Gakpo (PSV) – 3Luca Pellegrini (Roma) – 3Rick (Ludogorets) – 3Gustav Isaksen (Midtjylland) – 3Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg) – 3Marcus Rashford (Man United) – 3Martin Terrier (Rennes) – 3Victor Boniface (Union SG) – 3Joey Veerman (PSV) – 3Kwabwena Owusu (Qarabağ) – 3Kevin Volland (Monaco) – 3Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahçe) – 3Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco) – 3Guélor Kanga (Crvena zvezda) – 3Kristoffer Zachariassen (Ferencváros) – 3 More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man Utd

      by

      RAPHINHA repeatedly PUNCHED Marcos Alonso’s seat in a meltdown after being subbed off against Manchester United.The Europa League first-leg tie ended all square at the Nou Camp after Raphinha made it 2-2 on the night.
      Raphinha was left fuming after being subbed off

      But the Brazilian was left fuming after he made way for Ferran Torres on 83 minutes.
      Raphinha’s frustrations were evident on the subs bench as he took his anger out on Alonso’s seat.
      But he did apologise to manager Xavi afterwards – despite not needing to.
      Xavi said: “I see and understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn’t have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play.”
      Alonso headed Barca 1-0 up on 50 minutes but just moments later Marcus Rashford levelled.
      And Rashford had a part in putting United 2-1 up after his cross was diverted in by defender Jules Kounde.
      Kounde’s blushes were sparred by Raphinha, whose curled cross sailed all the way in.
      Most read in Champions League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      United boss Erik ten Hag claimed the game was so good it was more fitting for Champions League football.
      He said: “I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them], so many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored.
      “The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that.
      “So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”
      Erik ten Hag after the draw in BarcelonaCredit: PA More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I did not understand’ – Marcus Rashford fumes at referee after Man Utd’s draw with Barcelona

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD fumed at the referee after Manchester United’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Barcelona.That’s after being denied a free-kick from a clear foul by Jules Kounde.
      Marcus Rashford fumed at the ref for not giving him a free-kick against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Rashford believes he was fouled by Jules Kounde in Man Utd’s 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils played out a Europa League epic at the Nou Camp on Thursday as both sides netted twice.
      Rashford, who lined up as a No9 after a tactical tweak, scored one goal and created the other in another top performance.
      His strike came just moments after Barcelona took an early second-half lead through Marcos Alonso.
      And after Kounde later turned in Rashford’s ball for an own-goal to put United ahead, Barca found a timely leveller when Raphinha’s cross went in untouched.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But Rashford believes things could have turned out differently had a decision by referee Maurizio Mariani gone in his favour.
      With United 2-1 up, the England star appeared to be bundled over by defender Kounde while charging towards Barcelona’s goal.
      Mariani was close by the incident and able to take a good look.
      But he decided against awarding Rashford the foul, which occurred on the edge of Barcelona’s box.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      It sparked an angry reaction from boss Erik ten Hag, who received a yellow card for his troubles.
      And speaking later on, Rashford revealed he was lost for words after Mariani’s decision.
      That’s while also admitting United’s dramatic draw felt more like a defeat on the night.
      Rashford said: “It feels like a loss. I think we did well to get back into the game but we stayed calm and composed, and created chances when we could.
      It is clear contact. It is 100 per cent a foul, even if it was outside the boxMarcus Rashford
      “We felt in control of the outcome after scoring two goals in quick succession but we just couldn’t hold on.
      “We were searching for chances more after half-time and I felt like we were going for it a bit more, especially after going behind.
      “[My goal?] It’s difficult to find an angle to finish from there so I just tried to get as clean a contact as I could and thankfully it went in.
      “[Kounde’s foul?] It is a massive moment in the game and in the moment I did not understand why the assistant or referee thinks I’m going down there.
      “I touched it past him and I am going through and he clips my leg. It is clear contact. It is 100 per cent a foul, even if it was outside the box.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona fans fear they’ll be demolished at Man Utd after key player is banned for Europa League second-leg

      by

      BARCELONA fans are fearing the worst ahead of their Europa League second leg against Manchester United.Barca and United drew 2-2 in the first leg of their play-off at the Nou Camp and are scheduled to meet again next Thursday at Old Trafford.
      Barcelona fans are not confident ahead of the second leg against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Barcelona will have several key absences against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      And some Blaugrana supporters aren’t feeling confident, especially after Gavi’s suspension.
      The midfielder picked up his third booking in Europe this season and will be one of Xavi’s many notable absentees at the Theatre of Dreams.
      The Barcelona manager will also be without Pedri, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Red Devils.
      Ousmane Dembele and Segio Busquets are also on the shelf with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
      Read More on Man Utd
      And the Barcelona faithful are not sure about their team’s chances against United.
      One fan tweeted: “Today’s game was a complete mess! There was no effectiveness, and our defense was predictably chaotic.
      “With Pedri out due to injury and Gavi suspended, no Dembele, no Busquets the situation only got worse. We ended up with a draw, but Barca is severely handicapped..”
      Another posted: “We are totally f****d up – Pedri missing the 2nd leg, Dembele missing the 2nd leg, Gavi suspended, Busquets missing the 2nd leg. All i can see now is United putting 4 past us.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      A third supporter commented: ” No Gavi, Pedri, Busq [Busquets], Dembus [Dembele]. That’s not good.”
      This fan wrote: “We’re f****d.”
      And that supporter tweeted: “Yeah we’re most likely out.”
      It’s good news however for Manchester United, who impressed in the 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho has face like thunder as Red Bull Salzburg manager copies his Porto touchline sprint celebration

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO had a face like thunder as RB Salzburg beat Roma with a late goal.That’s after seeing opposition boss Matthias Jaissle sprint down the touchline to celebrate – just like he famously did nearly 20 years ago with Porto.
      Matthias Jaissle copied Jose Mourinho’s touchline run after Salzburg’s winner against RomaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Mourinho had a face like thunder after seeing his Roma side concede late onCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      We’ve seen this before somewhere 👀José Mourinho can only watch on as Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle sprints down the touchline to celebrate a late goal.#UEL pic.twitter.com/znLbnB9vHw— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2023

      Roma were favourites for tonight’s Europa League first-leg knockout tie in Austria.
      Mourinho, recently criticised by club icon Antonio Cassano, named a strong starting XI including Tammy Abraham, Paulo Dybala and Nemanja Matic.
      But despite dominating proceedings, the Europa Conference League champs could not prevent Nicolas Capaldo from firing in an 88th minute Salzburg winner.
      It sparked wild celebrations amongst the midfielder’s teammates.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet it was manager Jaissle who caught the eye as he charged down the touchline to join in the fun.
      The 34-year-old is quickly making a name for himself after taking points off Chelsea and AC Milan in the Champions League group stage.
      But one man was not amused by Jaissle’s celebratory antics.
      Mourinho looked like he wanted the ground to open up as Salzburg toasted their strike.
      Most read in Europa League
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      📅 OTD in 2004…Jose Mourinho ran down the Old Trafford touchline to celebrate Porto’s last-minute equaliser against Man Utd 😳An absolutely iconic #UCL moment 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PjZlXbXaXp— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 9, 2021

      Yet he could not complain too much about their manager’s touchline run, having done exactly the same thing while at Porto in March 2004.
      The Special One famously charged along the Old Trafford pitch when his Portuguese side netted a last-gasp winner against Manchester United in the Champions League.
      Porto went on to win the tournament before Mourinho changed Premier League history by taking the Chelsea job.
      And fans quickly reacted to the amusing scenes on Twitter.
      One said: “I’ve seen this before.”
      Another declared: “If Jose wins at home he’s going to take off too.”
      One noted: “Mourinho outcoached by Jaissle.”
      Another added: “Mourinho wasn’t animated enough for my liking, I would have liked more screaming and shouting.”
      Reacting to the result, Mourinho said afterwards: “This is football, is what we say in these situations. You have to score goals.
      “It could’ve not happened, but it happened. I think we dominated the game. We were always in control of a match that was very relaxed for us.
      “We missed some incredible chances and there was a clear penalty not awarded to us in the first half.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We were unlucky with the change of referee to this gentleman here. Conceding a goal in the final minutes was unjust.
      “We have to put the ball in the net. When we don’t, then there is this risk. We know who we are, we know our limits, but when my team gives its all, I never have a negative word to say.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans can’t believe Bayer Leverkusen keeper Hradecky’s own goal is allowed to stand in clash against Monaco

      by

      FANS are in shock after witnessing a bizarre own goal in the Europa League.And Bayer Levekusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky would be right to feel hard done after putting into his own net against Monaco.

      Breel Embolo forced an own goal from Lukas HradeckyCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper was bundled over causing the ball to go into the goalCredit: AP
      Hradecky clearly thought he had been fouledCredit: AP
      The Bundesliga side were taking on the French outfit in the Europa League play-offs at the BayArena.
      In the ninth minute of the clash, Hradecky was bundled into by Monaco striker Breel Embolo, causing the ball to roll into the net.
      The situation came from a fairly controlled situation as the ball was passed back to the Finnish stopper.
      However, he was not quick enough to clear the ball before Embolo caught up to him and helped the ball cross the line.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Hradecky and manager Xabi Alonso were left fuming after justifiably feeling the goalkeeper had been fouled by the striker.
      But it was not seen that way by referee Orel Grinfeeld and the goal was given.
      Replays showed that Embolo did not get a touch on the ball before colliding with Hradecky, causing him to dive it into his own net.
      And fans were in agreement with the Bayer Leverkusen complaints on social media.
      Most read in Football
      One tweeted: “First tackle is to the keeper not to the ball. Definitely, a foul.”
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A second commented: “Wow, clear foul, plays the man which impedes him playing the ball. Unbelievable.”
      A third wrote: “Not a goal. Forward gets no part of the ball and only the keeper. Shocking decision.”
      A fourth said: “Foul all day long!!”
      A fifth added: “I’m struggling to see how this isn’t called as a foul? Literally clatters the keeper and makes ZERO contact with the ball.”
      It is not the first time Hradecky has conceded an embarrassing own goal.
      In November 2020, in Bundesliga clash against VFL Bochum, he got a kick completely wrong and missed the ball, leading it to roll into the empty net. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Rashford and Fernandes shine in new roles as Sancho and Malacia struggle with Camp Nou occasion

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a draw in a thrilling first leg of their Europa League playoff with Barcelona.History suggested the Red Devils would be up against it at the Nou Camp with United having won just once in their history against the Catalans.
      Marcus Rashford starred once again for United as he caused Barcelona endless troubleCredit: PA
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his opener to his late fatherCredit: Getty
      But with two El Clasico specialists in Casemiro and Raphael Varane in their ranks, United were unfazed by the occasion and took the game to the hosts.
      After a goalless first half the game sparked into life with Marcos Alonso’s uncontested header at the far post.
      Marcus Rashford continued his stunning form with a driven finish past Marc Ter Stegen to level.
      He then created the second as Jules Kounde turned into his own net before Raphinha’s cross-cum-shot ended up in the United net to set up a frantic finish
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils performance.
      De Gea – 7
      Could do nothing for the opener or Raphinha’s goal.
      Denied Robert Lewandowski well in the first half while commanding penalty box quite well and caught a Raphinha howitzer in the second half.
      Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Looked strong on the overlap with the help of Fernandes. Created a number of chances pairing up with the Portuguese playmaker.
      Most read in Football
      Did well in one-on-one duels but allowed his far post zone to be exploited for Barca’s opener at a corner and could have been more useful with some crossing opportunities.
      Varane – 6
      The former Real Madrid man was one of two players in the United team who understood the Camp Nou atmosphere and helped his team-mates settle.
      Despite some poor distribution in the first half, he improved after the interval and a strong step out of defence almost allowed United to grab the lead straight after the equaliser.
      Shaw – 7
      Composed once again at left centre back. Solid distribution throughout this was paired with solid defensive work whenever he was called upon.
      Almost punished when he misjudged the flight of the ball to almost gift Raphinha an opportunity to score a late third.
      Malacia – 5
      Beaten by Raphinha too many times when defending one-on-one.
      Put himself about but better end product would save likely seen him punished.
      Casemiro – 7
      Like Varane his understanding of the atmosphere helped settle United.
      The side looked far more stable with him back in the XI.
      Fred – 7
      Lost Marcos Alonso at the far post for the defender’s header at a corner but made up for it minutes later with a beautifully weighted pass to assist Rashford.
      Looked more comfortable playing alongside Casemiro.
      Fernandes – 7
      Part of Ten Hag’s attacking reshuffle and played on the right wing – but was no less influential.
      Constantly a threat with his passes from the right channel to get an overlapping Wan-Bissaka in behind and set up a glorious Weghorst chance.
      Weghorst – 6
      Deployed in the same position behind the striker as he was in the final 20 minutes against Leeds.
      Brought United up the pitch well in the role but squandered a great chance in the first half to put United into the lead.
      Sancho – 5
      Struggled to make an impact from the left wing due to Barcelona defenders doubling up on him throughout the first half.
      Wasted a glorious chance early in the second half to put United into the lead after an error from Ronald Araujo. Subbed off after 82 minutes for Garnacho.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rashford – 8
      Scored the equaliser from a tight angle to squeeze a shot past Marc Ter Stegen and match his best ever season tally.
      Created the second from a corner with a direct run into the penalty area to cause havoc and reap an own goal. Was denied a penalty when brought down as he went through on goal.
      Substitutes
      Alejandro Garnacho (on for Jadon Sancho 82 minutes) – N/A
      Marcus Rashford equalised for Manchester United at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Manchester United picked up an important draw with BarcelonaCredit: PA More