Europa League

LUCAS PAQUETA gave the Breisgau Brazilians a real taste of some Samba brilliance as West Ham battled their way to another record-breaking European night.Bundesliga’s SC Freiburg – from the Black Forest region of Breisgau – are compared to the Brazilian national team due to their apparent silky style of play.
Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring with a brilliant headerCredit: EPA
The Brazilian celebrated with a trademark danceCredit: Rex
Yet the Germans were given a serious Europa League lesson by a Hammers side dripping in continental confidence after Paqueta’s sublime eighth minute header opened the scoring.
Having seen their lead briefly flattened by Roland Sallai’s 49th minute leveller, it was another header from Nayef Aguerd in the 66th minute that eventually earned West Ham the crucial victory.
But make no mistake, all eyes were on Paqueta on his 50th West Ham appearance. He oozes class, arrogance and grit in ways the East Londoners have not seen for years.
It is just a shame none of them were here at the Europa Stadion to witness it, serving their one-match ban for tossing missiles at the Conference League final in Prague.
David Moyes’ men are now unbeaten in their last 17 European matches, dating back to August last year – the longest of any English side in history.
More than Don Revie’s Leeds. More than Bill Nicholson’s Tottenham. More than Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
As Moyes alluded to in his pre-match press conference, after three successive years in Europe, winning the Europa Conference League back in June, it is beginning to feel like Euro trips like this are now embedded in the club’s DNA.
And while nights like these appear tough on paper – West Ham had lost their last three visits to Germany dating back to 1966 – in practice they turn out to be relatively simple thanks to West Ham’s experience and quality.
Freiburg equallised in the 49th minuteCredit: Reuters
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Two wins from two in Group A, and the knock-outs already beckon.
Paqueta really was tremendous. The leap for his early opener silenced the raucous Freiburg support, and spent the rest of the evening teasing and toying with anyone who dared.
And to think, he could have been plying his trade at Manchester City in the Champions League but for an untimely ongoing FA investigation into betting breaches foiling his switch.
Jarrod Bowen also played his part, starring down the middle in the absence of the injured Michail Antonio for the first time since April.
He had the aura of a man recently recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad. His dart down the flank and cross for Paqueta’s goal was worthy of an international stage.
Mohammed Kudus made up an exciting-looking front three. The Ghanaian simply has to be given his first Premier League start against Newcastle on Sunday, such is his talent.
The first half had all the trademarks of a complete away-day performance, from Konstantinos Mavropanos in defence to the calming midfield presence of Edson Alvarez.
Yet the start to the second half was a different story. West Ham looked nervy, edgy and without that tempo and intensity that initially saw them restrict Freiburg to very little.
Lukasz Fabianski will feel hard done by for the equaliser, making two brilliant stops before Sallai fired home at the third time of asking.
But a bullet Aguerd header ensured the Hammers headed back to London with three pointsCredit: Reuters
Freiburg pressed for more. Kiliann Sildillia smacked the upright and Lucas Holer blazed over a golden chance with the goal gaping.
West Ham responded. Kudus came to life with a loose ball and his delivery was almost nodded in being an onrushing Bowen at the back post.
Seconds later, the lead was theirs again. James Ward-Prowse with one of his inch-perfect corners and Aguerd rose highest, his thumping header in off the underside of the bar.
How is Ward-Prowse not back representing the Three Lions this month? This was his sixth assist in all competitions since signing in the summer.
Paqueta’s last act in the dying moments before being subbed drenched in sweat was majestic.
The deft touch, fending off three defenders and the chip with backspin to send Bowen through but for a rushed finish. Thankfully, it did not come back to bite West Ham.
Here’s how it unfolded…. More