Matchday 2 of Europa League 2024/25 is officially in the books, leaving just six games left in the qualification round. Five teams are currently tied for the top position on 6 points: Lazio, Lyon, Tottenham, FCSB and Anderlecht. With only the top 8 teams directly qualifying for the Round of 16 and 9-24 entering a knockout playoff phase, everything is left to play for in the season.
Keep reading for highlights from Matchday 2 and a full scorecard with all the results of the week.
Man United Draw With Porto 3-3
Harry Maguire saved the day for Man United with a 91st minute equalizer which allowed his team to draw 3-3 against Porto on Thursday at Estadio do Dragao.
Man United got off to a hot start, when Marcus Rashford scored in the seventh minute with a drive in from the left and quick finish past Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Rasmus Hojlund, who started his first game of the campaign, then doubled the lead with a counter-attack in the 20th which put his side in control.
Porto wasn’t finished however, as they came roaring back. First, a Joao Mario cross rebounded off a Man United defender to Brazilian winger Pepe who nodded it home. Samu Omorodian then headed another into the back of the net off another cross from Mario. After the halftime break Proto was able to take the lead through Omorodion after Pepe sliced the defense open.
It looked like Porot would hold on but substitute Maguire rose high to meet Christian Eriksen’s corner and head in the equalizer in injury time.
Next up for Man United will be Turkish side Fenerbahçe SK on October 25.
Lyon Dominant in 4-1 Victory of Rangers
Lyon, off the back of a terrific performance from Malick Fofana, were able to win comfortably against the Rangers 4-1 to book their second win of the season. Rangers failed to back their impressive Europa League 2024/25 opening win against Malmo a couple weeks ago.
Fofana scored first for Lyon, placing a brilliant strike into the right corner in the 10th minute to put his team in front. Tom Lawerence of the Rangers was able to equalize just 4 minutes later however with a finish in the box from a clever pass by Cyriel Dessers.
Action Plus Sports Images / Alamy Stock Photo
From there it was all Lyon, as the French team dominated the possession and shots on goal against their Scottish opponents. It wasn’t long until they had their second goal when Connor Barron’s backpass was jumped on by Fofana who calmly distributed the ball to Alexandre Lacazette for the finish.
Fofana got an easy tap-in in the second half helping his team finish with four but it could’ve easily been more with all the wasted opportunities.
The Rangers will look back at the game and see a number of areas to improve going forward against some of the stronger European teams in the competition. They had a number of breakdowns in defense and will likely need to change their formation going forward.
Rangers will have the chance to make amends in a few weeks time when they take on Romanian side FSCB on October 25th. Lyon will look to continue their dominance against Beşiktaş J.K. on October 24.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies as outlined in our Privacy Policy. To learn more about how we handle your data, please read our Cookie Policy.OKRead more
