Group stage play is heating up within the Europa League as a couple of groups could not keep away from banana-peel losses within the competitors. Roma fell to Slavia Praha 2-0 whereas Liverpool additionally misplaced a wild 3-2 match to Toulouse. Nevertheless, one crew that went into a troublesome setting and emerged victorious was Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso’s crew have gone via all challenges in each the league and European competitors. It took till stoppage time for them to crack Qarabag however a penalty from Victor Boniface within the 94th minute of play was simply sufficient to push the German aspect proper alongside in Group H the place their six-point lead implies that just one extra level could also be wanted to see them qualify for the knockout levels of Europa League play.
Europa League scores
LASK 3, Union Saint-Gilloise 0
Ajax 0, Brighton 2
Rennes 3, Panathinaikos 1
Qarabag FK 0, Bayer Leverkusen 1
Toulouse 3, Luverpool 2
Maccabi Haifa 1, Villarreal 2
Slavia Praha 2, Roma 0
Servette 2, Sheriff 1
AEK Athens 0, Marseille 2
West Ham United 1, Olympiacos 0
Sporting CP 2, Rakow Czestochowa 1
Actual Betis 4, Aris Limassol 1
Rangers 2, Sparta Prague 1
SC Freiburg 5, Backa Topola 0
Hacken 1, Molde 3
Atalanta 1, Sturm Graz 0
Bayer Leverkusen are contenders
Undefeated between home and European competitions, Bayer Leverkusen have been fairly spectacular beneath Alonso. Nigerian striker Victor Boniface will get plaudits for his objectives however this crew has been a unit from prime to backside. Solely permitting two objectives whereas additionally scoring essentially the most in group stage play with 12, it is a Leverkusen crew that may make a run to the title. Contemplating their home efficiency, even the addition of Champions League groups to Europa League will not be capable of cease Leverkusen. Boniface has 11 objectives and 6 assists in all competitions in solely 15 appearances whereas Florian Wirtz is rising into his personal as a artistic participant alongside him with six objectives and 9 assists in all competitions. When Jeremie Frimpong is the third- or fourth-best attacker on a crew, it speaks volumes for the way the squad was constructed, and for Leverkusen, sustained success is the objective.
Jurgen Klopp not glad that his press convention is interrupted
It is one factor to lose a disappointing sport throughout which your crew might’ve certified for the subsequent spherical of Europa League play but it surely’s one other to have your press convention derailed by followers after the match however that is simply what occurred to Jurgen Klopp. Expressing his disappointment within the crew’s efficiency, Klopp’s presser was abruptly interrupted by Toulouse followers.
“Who had the concept to do the press convention right here, that might be a extremely attention-grabbing query. Wow,” Klopp stated as followers could possibly be heard marching previous the presser cheering and celebrating the end result.
Whereas it was an thrilling end result for the French aspect, Liverpool are nonetheless first within the group by two factors and are within the drivers seat to keep away from a date with a Champions League crew that drops all the way down to the competitors earlier than the spherical of 16 begins.
Roma struggles with out Mourinho on the wheel
With Jose Mourinho suspended, Roma assistant supervisor Salvatore Foti oversaw a loss to Slavia Praha that noticed the Italian aspect drop to second within the group. Solely capable of muster two pictures on course, Roma could not management their very own future for avoiding a Champions League aspect within the subsequent spherical after this loss. A squad that has gone on curler coasters all season, Roma might want to go on a constant run as Mourinho returns from his suspension following this match. Going through Lazio within the Derby della Capitale this weekend, will probably be an opportunity for Roma to instantly make an announcement however Lazio has been one other crew that may make issues ugly for his or her opposition. A loss in that match might spell bother for Roma, who sit seventh in Serie A play this season.
