Monaco cracks against Ferencvaros, Nantes falls heavily, Manchester United revives!
While waiting for the opposition between Stade Rennais and Fenerbahçe, at 9 p.m., the second day of the group stage of the Europa League began this Thursday, with eight matches scheduled at 6:45 p.m. and two French teams in the running: FC Nantes and l AS Monaco. At Louis-II, Philippe Clément’s men, who defeated Red Star Belgrade (1-0) on the first day, crossed swords with Ferencvaros, winner of Trabzonspor last week. Little inspired during the first act, the Asemists trained by Golovin, author of a dangerous strike (34th), could not make the difference. Worse, ASM was very close to giving in but Nguen’s goal was finally disallowed for an offside position. Held in check at the break and unrecognizable during the first 45 minutes, the Monegasques grew bolder on returning from the locker room. In vain.
Despite a new attempt from Golovin (47th) and a golden opportunity for Jakobs (75th), the Rock players were unable to pinch the Ferencvaros block. And what had to happen happened… Entering the game a few moments before, Vecsei saw his left volley deflected by Disasi then Aguilar before deceiving Nübel (0-1, 80th). With this defeat, ASM find themselves third in Group H. On the third day, the club from the Principality will try to revive against Trabzonspor. For its part, FC Nantes, author of a very good start against Olympiakos, rubbed shoulders with the Azerbaijani club Qarabagh FC. Buoyed by the positive result of last week, Antoine Kombouaré’s men got off to a perfect start and Simon got two great chances (14th, 27th). Less comfortable after half an hour of play, the Canaries were then under pressure from the band at Gourban Gourbanov. Author of two big parades Deciders (36th, 43rd), Lafont can however stay alive at the Tofiq-Béhramov stadium. Once again decisive on the return from the locker room, Lafont finally lost on the hour mark.
Zero points for French clubs, the Red Devils are relaunching!
Perfectly launched by Ozobic in the penalty area, following a three-way game in a full axis touch of the ball, Owusu Kwabena took the last rampart of the FCN from behind (1-0, 60th). Very close to conceding the break a few seconds later, Nantes ended up, logically, by yielding again. With a cross shot in the small allied net, Zoubir provided air to the locals (2-0, 65th). Stunned, the Canaries definitely folded in stride. After a corner played with two, Qarayev shifted Jankovic who had plenty of time to follow up with a shot in the side net of Lafont (3-0, 72nd). Finally the score did not evolve any more and the Nantais bowed. With this big setback (0-3), FC Nantes advanced to third place before going to challenge the leader, Fribourg.
In other matches, Manchester United, carried by a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, won on the field of Sheriff Tiraspol (2-0). Still in Group E, Real Sociedad got the better of Omonia Nicosia (2-1) and remains group leader. Large winner of Sturm Graz (6-0), Feyenoord relaunches in group F. With three points, the Dutch fought up to Lazio, dryly beaten in Midtjylland (1-5). Future opponents of AS Monaco, Trabzonspor won (2-1) against Red Star Belgrade thanks to the achievements of Marek Hamsik and Trezeguet. Finally, in group G, Fribourg, next opponent of FC Nantes, carried out a very good operation on the lawn of Olympiakos (3-0). With 6 points on the clock, the Brazilians of Brisgau will try to take off when they receive the Canaries on October 6th.
All results from 6:45 p.m.
Group E
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Real Sociedad 2-1 Omonia Nicosia: Guevara (30th) and Sorloth (80th) / Silva (72nd)
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Sheriff Tiraspol 0-2 Manchester United : Sancho (17th) and Ronaldo (39th, sp)
Group F
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Feyenoord Rotterdam 6-0 Sturm Graz: Jahanbakhsh (9th, 41st), Hancko (31st), Pereira (34th), Gimenez (66th) and Idrissi (78th)
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FC Midtjylland 5-1 Lazio Rome: Paulinho (26th), Kaba (30th), Evander (52nd, sp), Isaksen (68th) and Sviatchenko (72nd) / Milinkovic-Savic (57th)
Group G
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Karabakh FC 3-0 Nantes: Kwabena (60th), Zoubir (65th) and Jankovic (72nd)
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Olympiacos 0-3 Freiburg : Höfler (5th) and Gregoritsch (25th, 52nd)
Group H