Europa League: Manchester United Draw in Spain While Tottenham Falls to AZ Alkmaar
Manchester United secured a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while Tottenham Hotspur faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
In San Sebastian, Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead in the 57th minute with a precise low strike from just outside the box, marking his first European goal of the season. Zirkzee, who had recently endured a tough spell after missing a decisive penalty in an FA Cup shootout against Fulham, showcased his resilience with the impressive finish, assisted by Alejandro Garnacho.
However, United’s advantage was short-lived. Bruno Fernandes was penalized for a handball during a corner kick, leading to a penalty awarded to Real Sociedad. Mikel Oyarzabal confidently converted from the spot in the 70th minute, leveling the match and shifting the momentum. Despite Sociedad’s pressure for a winner, United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana made two crucial saves to maintain the draw.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s night took a turn for the worse as they succumbed to a first-half own goal by Lucas Bergvall, which sealed their fate against AZ Alkmaar. Spurs struggled to find their rhythm, and they could have faced a heavier defeat if not for two exceptional saves from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Rangers achieved a commendable 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring early, but Fenerbahce equalized through Alexander Djiku. Rangers regained the lead with Vaclav Cerny’s goal and secured the win with another strike from Cerny late in the match.
Lyon also made significant strides towards the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Romanian side FCSB. Nicolas Tagliafico scored the opener, and Malick Fofana added two late goals after Alexandru Baluta had equalized for FCSB. Lyon’s head coach, Paulo Fonseca, celebrated the victory despite facing a lengthy ban from the sidelines.
Uzbek forward Eldor Shomurodov struck with the final kick of the game to snatch a 2-1 victory for Roma over Athletic Bilbao in their first leg in Italy.
Paulo Dybala smacked the bar for Roma before Inaki Williams headed Athletic in front. Angelino replied for the hosts and Shomurodov won it after the Basques had a man sent off.
Lazio grabbed an even later winner at Viktoria Plzen despite finishing with nine players, as Gustav Isaksen scored in the 98th minute for a 2-1 victory.
The Italians led through Alessio Romagnoli but Plzen responded early in the second half. Lazio then had Nicolo Rovella and Samuel Gigot dismissed before Isaksen’s goal.
Bodo/Glimt recorded an impressive 3-0 victory over Olympiacos. The Norwegian side took a 13th-minute lead when Jostein Gundersen’s header found the net via the crossbar and goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Roman Yaremchuk went closest for the visitors but Nikita Haikin saved the forward’s shot, and home captain Kasper Høgh then slotted in from slick moves either side of half-time to end Olympiacos’ 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions, and earn Bodø/Glimt an eighth win in nine European home games this season.
Ajax took the lead when Brian Brobbey headed in from close range from Jordan Henderson’s cross after ten minutes. However, after going close several times, Frankfurt equalised on 27 minutes when Hugo Larsson’s shot deflected in off Ajax goalscorer Brobbey.
Neither side held back in the second period, but it was the Bundesliga team who took the advantage, Ellyes Shkiri tapping in from close range with 20 minutes to go.
