In Europes secondary club competition, a great round of first-leg ties in the Europa League, with Manchester United, Roma and Villarreal seizing victory, and taking the advantage into the second leg next week. Arsenal drew thanks to a Tomáš Holeš 93rd minute equaliser, giving Slavia Prague the advantage with an away goal.
Granada 0 – 2 Manchester United
The red side of Manchester beat the La Liga side 2-0 away from home, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. A 90th minute penalty secured victory, in what turned out to be a relatively easy game for the Red Devils. A wonderful over the top ball from Victor Lindelof sent Rashford in behind, and he slotted away with ease. At the opposite end, on loan Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera was the best player for the underdogs, hitting the post once and also running the Granada midfield.
Ajax 1 – 2 Roma
The Amsterdam side fell victim to the Italians in their home game, with Ex-Everton midfielder Davy Klaasen opening the scoring in the 39th minute, even after the Italians dominated the game early on. Dušan Tadić then missed a penalty he had won, and failed to finish the game. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Roger Ibañez scored for the Romans, taking a massive advantage into the second leg of the Europa League tie.
Arsenal 1 – 1 Slavia Prague
A poor result for the Gunners, after the side that beat Rangers in the last round scored a stoppage time equaliser, and once again Arsenal’s game management let them down. The home team had clearly left their shooting boots at home, with little the way of attacks coming from the Czech side. The away goal could mean that all Slavia Prague need is a 0-0 draw at home to progress, and complete a giant-killing in the process, possibly ruling out a chance at an all English final.
Dinamo Zagreb 0 – 1 Villarreal
The side that knocked out Spurs last time out couldn’t beat Ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s side in the Europa League, with the spaniards seeing out a 1-0 victory after a Gerard Moreno penalty just before half time. Villarreal will be aiming to add to the long run of at least one Spanish side appearing in the Semi finals of the Europa League, And look on course to do so. Maybe history could repeat itself in a second leg comeback from the Croat side?
In the Semi-Finals, Manchester United look on course to face either Roma or Ajax, with Arsenal having to score at least once to book their place in the next round, to likely play Villarreal. Who do you think will win this years competition?
