The UEFA Europa League Matchday 7 delivered thrilling encounters, stunning comebacks, and standout individual performances. Bruno Fernandes’ late heroics, Heung-Min Son’s brilliance, and Lazio’s commanding victory were the highlights of an action-packed round that shaped the race for knockout phase qualification.
Manchester United 2-1 Rangers: Fernandes Leads with Late Winner
Manchester United continued their winning streak in the Europa League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, captained by Bruno Fernandes, secured their fourth consecutive Europa League triumph, inching closer to the next stage.
United took the lead early in the second half when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland inadvertently directed a corner into his own net. The visitors responded with Cyriel Dessers’ well-executed strike on the turn, leveling the score in the closing stages. However, it was Fernandes who had the final say, marking his 50th Europa League appearance with a composed side-footed volley in added time. The victory solidified United’s position in the competition as they aim for a strong finish to the league phase.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Hoffenheim: Son Stars in Crucial Victory
Tottenham Hotspur managed to hold off a spirited Hoffenheim side to secure a 3-2 victory, booking their place in the knockout rounds. Ange Postecoglou’s men delivered an electric first-half performance, with James Maddison’s stunning opener and a deflected effort from Son Heung-Min giving them a 2-0 lead.
Hoffenheim fought back with a goal from Anton Stach after the break, narrowing the deficit. However, Son’s clinical second strike provided a cushion for Spurs, ensuring they stayed in control. Despite David Mokwa’s late header reigniting Hoffenheim’s hopes, Tottenham held on to claim three vital points.
With this win, Tottenham climbed into the play-off spots, setting themselves up for a decisive final group match against Elfsborg.
Lazio 3-1 Real Sociedad: Biancocelesti Secure Top Spot
Lazio delivered a commanding performance to defeat Real Sociedad 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, confirming their direct qualification to the Europa League Round of 16. Mario Gila set the tone early with a fifth-minute opener, and the home side capitalized further after Aihen Muñoz’s dismissal for Sociedad.
#LazioRealSociedad#UEL #CMonEagles pic.twitter.com/Lycy1gmY5C
— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) January 23, 2025
Mattia Zaccagni and Taty Castellanos added two more goals before halftime, giving Lazio an unassailable lead. Although Ander Barrenetxea pulled one back late for Sociedad, Lazio’s dominant showing ensured they remain atop the standings with a guaranteed top-eight finish.
Other Highlights
- AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Roma: Troy Parrott’s late goal secured a crucial win for AZ Alkmaar over Roma, strengthening their chances of progressing.
- Olympiacos 1-0 Porto: Ayoub El Kaabi’s fifth goal of the campaign condemned Porto to their fourth consecutive defeat.
- Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Maccabi Tel-Aviv: Despite conceding first, the Norwegian champions rallied to secure their third comeback win in this league phase.
- Beşiktaş 4-1 Athletic Club: In Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s debut as manager, Beşiktaş stunned Athletic Club with a dominant display.
Surprises and Shocks
Latvian side RFS pulled off the upset of the night, defeating Ajax 1-0. Although RFS cannot progress further, the victory was a statement performance. Meanwhile, Dynamo Kyiv secured their first point in the league phase after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Galatasaray earlier in the week.
Key Standings and Implications
Lazio became the first team to secure a Round of 16 berth, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the standings. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and other notable teams like Olympiacos and Viktoria Plzeň ensured play-off qualifications, while big names such as Ajax and Porto face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Just one matchday to go #UEL pic.twitter.com/KlcLAsOdjm
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 23, 2025
Upcoming Matchday 8 Fixtures (Thursday, January 30)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Elfsborg: Spurs will look to solidify their position with a victory against Elfsborg.
- FCSB vs. Manchester United: United aim to extend their winning streak against the Romanian side.
- Braga vs. Lazio: Lazio will seek to finish the group stage on a high against Braga.
- Ajax vs. Galatasaray: Both teams will be desperate for points to keep their campaigns alive.
With the stakes higher than ever, Matchday 8 promises more drama and defining moments as the Europa League heads toward its knockout phase.
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