The 54th season of the Europa League 2024/25 kicked off Wednesday, marking the first season that features 36 teams. As such, the number of matches this season increased from 141 to 189, eighteen of which were played on Matchday 1 this week. Let’s take a look at the results and highlights from our first glance at the new Europa League season.
Rangers Secure 2-0 Win Over Malmö
The Rangers took on Swedish team Malmo on Thursday and were able to secure themselves a 2-0 win in their opener. It was the team’s first-ever win on Swedish soil and first away-nil win since back in 2020.
The rangers got off to a dream start when Cyriel Dessers hit the post after rounding past Johan Dahlin in goal. Nedim Bajrami was there to clean it up as the ball rolled right to him and he made no mistake to put his team up 1-0.
Isaac Kiese Thelin almost equalized a few minutes later he deflected a free-kick back across Jack Butland but the effort was called offside.
After a number of missed chances by both teams, the Rangers finally sealed the game late in the second half via substitute Ross McCausland. His low strike ended up securing a crucial win that got the Rangers’ Europa League campaign off to a winning start.
Next up for the Rangers will be Lyon on October 3rd which will likely be a much tougher test. Lyon won their first game against Olympiacos and looked in good touch. Malmo will go on now to play Qarabağ FK in their second match of the season, a team that lost to Tottenham 3-0 in their opener.
Man United Draw With Twente, 1-1
Man United were held to a draw in their first match of the Europa League 2024/25 by Dutch club Twente. Christian Eriksen gave United a first-half lead with a terrific strike from inside the penalty area but they couldn’t quite hold on to the lead.
It was again Eriksen who was in the thick of things as he allowed himself to be caught in possession by Sam Lammers just outside the United box. The former Ranger stole the ball and drove it past Andre Onana to level the score.
Man United had a number of other opportunities to reestablish a lead in the latter stages of the match but Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall denied their attempts. In the end, Twente was able to hold on to the match and come out with a 1-1 draw to start their campaign.
After finishing bottom of their Champions League group with just one win last season, Man United have not fared well in the European competitions in recent years. Man United will have a tricky match against Porto on 3 October which they will be desperate to come with a win from.
Tottenham Dominate Qarabağ 3-0 To Open Their Europa League
Tottenham started off their Europa League with an impressive victory over Qarabag despite going down a man in just the seventh minute.
Mark Pain / Alamy Stock Photo
Brennan Johnson opened the scoring after collecting a Dominic Solanke pass and slotting one into the bottom corner. Pape Sarr doubled their lead in the 52nd minute after gaining control of a loose ball near the far post and sending it past the goalkeeper. Solanke wrapped up victory in the 68th minute when he deflected a Son Heung-min strike.
Tottenham will look to continue their hot start to the season when they play Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC in their second match up.
