The race for the Round of 16 and Round of 16 is heating up in the Europa League. On the fifth day of the group phase, played on Thursday November 30, several African players helped their teams secure the precious trophy.Others, like Marseille, are keeping their hopes alive, thanks to a hat-trick from Aubameyang, who is now the top scorer in Europa League history with 32 goals.
Aubameyang scores in the Europa League
In Marseille, the Olympiens were looking for a savior. The one who stepped up to the plate was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The forward scored a hat-trick in OM's 4-3 victory over Ajax. Silent since his goal against Le Havre on October 08, the former Arsenal man struck again, and quickly. The Gabonese opened the scoring in the 9th minute from the penalty spot. However, Brobbey soon equalised. Chancel Mbemba followed up with a helmet-kick (26th). But four minutes later, Brobbey levelled the scores again. However, the Gabonese had not said his last word.
At the start of the second half, he produced a magnificent acrobatic overhead kick to restore his side's lead. His 31st Europa League goal. He is now tied with Falcao as the competition's all-time top scorer. After another Ajax equaliser, Aubameyang scored a hat-trick in injury time (90+3) to seal victory for the Phocéens (1st, 11 pts). Brighton (2nd, 10 pts) beat AEK 1-0 thanks to Joao Pedro. OM and Brighton will battle it out for leadership of the group on Matchday 6.
Liverpool, Leverkusen and Rennes take care of business
In Group F, Rennes beat Macabi Haifa 3-0. The Bretons were able to count on Amine Gouiri. The Algerian scored the second goal (). An ideal result, as Rennes (1st, 12 pts) secured their place in the last 8.
Victor Boniface was also on target on Thursday as Leverkusen won 2-0 at Hacken. The Germans (1st, 15 pts) are through to the last 8, as are Liverpool. The Reds won 4-0 against Lask with a goal from Salah. The biggest win of the evening went to Freiburg, who crushed Olympiakos 5-0. The Germans are second (12 pts) in Group A, level on points with West Ham, who won 1-0 against TSC. All will be decided on the 6th and final day, when the two leaders will meet for the final 1st place.
What a matchday 😮#UEL pic.twitter.com/G3vta8kfFI
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 30, 2023
