Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed much-needed victories in the Europa League on Thursday, offering both teams a glimmer of hope amidst challenging Premier League campaigns.
Bruno Fernandes Saves the Day for United
At Old Trafford, Manchester United overcame late drama to secure a 2-1 win over Rangers. The Red Devils were looking for a positive result to ease pressure after recent inconsistent performances, and they found it thanks to an injury-time winner from Bruno Fernandes.
United took the lead in the second half in dramatic fashion. Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, under no significant pressure, misjudged a cross and punched the ball into his own net. Despite the lead, the hosts struggled to dominate and failed to kill off the game. This left them vulnerable, and the Scottish side capitalized on an opening in the 88th minute. Cyriel Dessers, taking advantage of a defensive lapse, slotted home the equalizer, leaving United fans stunned.
Just when it appeared United were destined for another frustrating result, Fernandes stepped up in stoppage time. The Portuguese star blasted a powerful shot past Butland, sealing the victory and sending Old Trafford into rapturous celebration.
United were not without controversy during the match. Earlier, Matthijs de Ligt thought he had doubled the lead with a towering header, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Robin Propper. VAR chose not to intervene, leaving the decision to stand.
The win moves United to fourth in the league phase standings with one match remaining. A point in their final game against Romanian side FCSB next week should secure a top-eight finish, allowing them to avoid the playoff round and advance directly to the last 16.
“Today was important to get the win because we want to get through in the Europa League and go to the final,” Fernandes said after the match. “We want to be in the first eight so we avoid playing two more games.”
For Rangers, the loss complicates their campaign. They now sit in 13th place and will need a miracle to secure a top-eight spot in their final match.
Son Stars as Spurs Edge Hoffenheim
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur earned a thrilling 3-2 victory against Hoffenheim in Germany. Ange Postecoglou’s side has been struggling in the Premier League, sitting in 15th place, but their Europa League campaign now looks much brighter as they climbed to sixth in the standings.
James Maddison gave Spurs the perfect start, scoring just four minutes into the match. A pinpoint pass from Pedro Porro allowed Maddison to fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net, leaving Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Oliver Baumann with no chance.
Maddison turned provider in the 22nd minute, setting up Son Heung-min for Tottenham’s second goal. Son’s shot deflected off a defender, looping over Baumann and into the far corner of the net.
However, Tottenham’s defensive frailties reared their head once again. Hoffenheim halved the deficit just before halftime when Anton Stach finished off a swift counterattack, catching Spurs’ defense off guard.
In the second half, Son struck again to restore Spurs’ two-goal cushion. His precise angled shot left Baumann rooted to the spot, putting Tottenham in a commanding position. Hoffenheim refused to go quietly, with David Mokwa scoring a late goal to set up a nervy finale. Despite the pressure, Spurs held on to secure the win.
Postecoglou praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Winning away in Europe is a significant victory for us. It gives us a good foothold to get into those top-eight spots, which will give us a week off.”
Tottenham will face Swedish side Elfsborg in their final group-stage match. A victory would ensure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the next round.
Other Europa League Highlights
- Lazio secured their place in the knockout stages with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad, moving to the top of the standings.
- Eintracht Frankfurt climbed to second after defeating Ferencvaros 2-0.
- Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce drew 0-0 with Lyon, leaving the Turkish club in 23rd place.
- Violence marred the game between Lazio and Real Sociedad, as two Spanish fans were hospitalized after an attack by Lazio ultras in Rome.
The Road Ahead
For both United and Tottenham, these victories offer a lifeline in the Europa League as they look to salvage their seasons. While United are aiming for a direct spot in the last 16, Spurs are determined to make a deep run in the tournament under Postecoglou’s leadership.
Both teams will need to build on their European successes to turn around their domestic form, but Thursday’s results provide a timely boost for their ambition.
