The Europa League delivered another exciting matchday, with dramatic clashes and notable results across Europe. Ruben Amorim secured his first win as Manchester United head coach in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Bodø/Glimt, while Rangers produced a stunning performance in Nice. Roma salvaged a late draw against Tottenham, and Real Sociedad edged Ajax to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Amorim’s Home Debut Ends in Victory
Manchester United overcame a scare at Old Trafford, defeating Bodø/Glimt 3-2 in a dramatic encounter. Ruben Amorim, leading the team in his first home game as manager, witnessed his side take an early lead within the opening minute. Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a mistake by Bodø keeper Nikita Haikin, tapping into an empty net after Rasmus Højlund’s relentless pressing forced the error.
The Norwegian visitors struck back with two quick goals. Håkon Evjen curled a stunning effort into the top corner to equalize in the 19th minute, and Philip Zinckernagel outmuscled Tyrell Malacia to fire past Andre Onana just minutes later.
United responded on the stroke of halftime when Højlund controlled Noussair Mazraoui’s cross brilliantly before volleying into the far corner. The Danish striker completed his brace in the second half, tapping in Manuel Ugarte’s low cross after a clever flick from Mason Mount.
Despite late pressure from Bodø/Glimt, United held on for the win, climbing to 12th in the Europa League standings.
Hummels Saves Roma at Spurs
Mats Hummels had a night of redemption as Roma salvaged a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs took an early lead through Son Heung-Min’s penalty, awarded after Hummels fouled Pape Matar Sarr.
Roma equalized when Evan Ndicka headed in Paulo Dybala’s corner, and they nearly took the lead, only for Stephan El Shaarawy’s goal to be ruled offside by VAR. Spurs regained their advantage with a brilliant team goal, finished by Brennan Johnson after a superb assist from Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham dominated much of the game, hitting the woodwork twice, but failed to kill it off. In stoppage time, Roma capitalized on a defensive lapse from a corner, with Hummels heading home to redeem his earlier error and secure a valuable point for Claudio Ranieri’s side.
Rangers Dismantle Nice
Rangers delivered a commanding performance on the Côte d’Azur, defeating Nice 4-1 to move into the top eight of the Europa League standings. The Scottish side took control with three first-half goals in quick succession. Václav Černý opened the scoring with a deflected strike, followed by a stunning finish from Mohamed Diomande.
Rangers and Lyon claim huge wins on the road!
Vote for which 4-goal performance was best #UELPOTW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 29, 2024
Hamza Igamane added a third before halftime, punishing Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka for straying too far from his line. Igamane sealed the victory with his second goal after the break, a composed finish to cap off a dominant display.
Badredine Bouanani’s late free-kick was a mere consolation for Nice, as Rangers celebrated an emphatic away win.
Sociedad Overcome Ajax
Real Sociedad kept their Europa League hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Ajax. The game was evenly contested until the 67th minute, when Barrene, fresh off the bench, latched onto Takefusa Kubo’s pinpoint cross to break the deadlock.
Kubo sealed the win in style, weaving through the Ajax defense before his deflected shot curled into the bottom corner. The victory lifted Sociedad to 16th in the standings, keeping them in contention for the knockout rounds.
Key Match Highlights
- Manchester United 3-2 Bodø/Glimt: Højlund’s brace and Garnacho’s early strike secure Amorim’s first win.
- Tottenham 2-2 Roma: Hummels’ late header salvages a point for Ranieri’s Roma.
- Nice 1-4 Rangers: Igamane shines as Rangers dominate on the road.
- Real Sociedad 2-0 Ajax: Kubo’s brilliance helps Sociedad climb the standings.
Implications for the Europa League
The matchday’s results added intrigue to the Europa League group stage as teams jockey for knockout stage positions. Manchester United’s win gives them momentum under new coach Ruben Amorim, while Rangers’ impressive display signals their strength as contenders. Tottenham remain unbeaten but will rue missed opportunities, and Real Sociedad’s victory keeps their campaign alive.
How is your team doing after Matchday 5? #UEL pic.twitter.com/dNIE81uhmW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 28, 2024
With three matchdays left, the race for progression is heating up, promising more drama in the weeks ahead.
READ NEXT:
