The second day of the Europa League was played on Thursday October 5. Olympique de Marseille picked up their second consecutive draw. AS Roma strolled to a draw against Servette, while Liverpool had a scare against Union Saint-Gilloise.
The English Remontada at OM
Things are still not going well at Olympique de Marseille. After two consecutive league defeats (to PSG 4-0 and Monaco 3-2), the Phocaean club were held to a draw at home by Brighton on Matchday 2 of the Europa League. It was a bitter draw, especially as OM had taken the lead with 2 first-half goals. Two goals in one minute. Chancel Mbemba opened the scoring in the 19th minute and Jordan Veretout made it 2-0 a minute later (20th). It was enough to put the Olympians in a good mood.
After the break, Marseille went through a very complicated period. Brighton reduced the deficit in the 54th minute thanks to their German midfielder Pascal Groß, who was unstoppable on Marseille's right flank. Mitoma broke into the penalty area and fed the German perfectly, who just had to put his foot down. Under pressure, the French club offered the visitors a late penalty (88th). Joâo Pedro converted it perfectly. This was OM's second draw in two games in the competition. AEk Athens (4 pts) take top spot in the group after their 1-1 draw with Ajax Amsterdam. Marseille are 2nd with two points.
Roma's show of strength
The Romans came from behind to beat Servette on Matchday 2 of the Europa League. José Mourinho's men came out on top against Servette (4-0). Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring in the 21st minute. The score remained unchanged until the break. In the second half, the Roman machine was up and running. The Italians scored 3 goals in 13 minutes. Andrea Belotti scored twice (46th and 59th), while Lorenzo Pellegrini scored his first goal in the competition this season. With 6 points, Roma are 2nd in Group G, ahead of Slavia Prague on goal difference, who crushed Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0. The two teams meet on Matchday 3 on November 9.
Liverpool-Union Saint-Gilloise: Reds under pressure to the end
Liverpool came from behind to beat Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0.With a much-changed line-up, the Reds got off to a flying start. They had several great opportunities. First, Mohamed Salah missed his one-on-one with the keeper. Then Darwin Nunez completely missed the target with a back-heeled cross; the keeper was beaten.
In the end, Liverpool had to rely on their midfielder to resolve the situation. Ryan Gravenberch, who had arrived this summer from Bayern Munich, latched onto a ball released by the goalkeeper after a shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold (44th). A timely goal. In the second half, Jürgen Kloop made a number of changes. Mo Salah gave way to Curtis Jones and Wataru Endō was replaced by Alexis Mac Allister. Despite their serenity, the Reds had a scare in the second half. The Belgians had several chances to equalize. But, as always, the great teams know how to handle this kind of encounter. The Mersey club scored the winning goal in added time (90+2). Diogo Jota had done it. Liverpool are now alone at the top of the table (6 points).
Matchday 2 in the books ✅
How did your team get on?#UEL pic.twitter.com/xK4mk0bRpt
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 5, 2023
