After the Champions League, it's time for the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Beautiful clashes were on the program. Manchester United wasted a great opportunity against Sevilla, while at the same time Juventus won 1-0 against Sporting. Here is a look back at the four first leg matches of the quarterfinals.
In 2021, it was a Europa League final match. But this year, Manchester United and Sevilla only meet in the quarterfinals. United and Sevilla drew 2-2. An express double from Marcel Sabitzer (15th, 21st) put the English team on track. The Old Trafford side could have (or should have) scored more goals, but failed to score in the last minute. The Sevillian team took advantage of an own goal by Malacia in the 84th minute to reduce the score before equalizing in the last moments thanks to another own goal by Harry Maguire (90+2), after a header by Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri. An excellent result for the Andalusians.
At the BayArena, Leverkusen hosted the Belgian Union Saint-Gilloise. The Nigerian Victor Boniface allowed the visitors to open the score at the beginning of the second half (51st), his 6th in Europa League (top scorer of the competition). The Germans will then push to obtain the equalization. This one will come from the feet of the jewel, Florian Wirtz. The 19 year old player perfectly takes a delivery from Sardar Azmoun to score his third goal in the Europa League (82nd). The men of Xabi Alonso make a draw 1-1. Everything remains open for the second leg.
⏰ 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 ⏰
What a night of action! Who impressed you?#UEL
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 13, 2023
Various fortunes for the Italians
In its quarterfinal, Juventus struggled against Sporting Club Portugal. The Old Lady had a hard time against the Portuguese, who were very well set up. It was finally the defender Federico Gatti who delivered the Italians in the 73rd minute for a precious 1-0 victory.
While they had faced each other last season in the final of the Euroa Conference (won by Roma), Feyenoord received Roma on Thursday in the quarterfinal first leg of the Europa League. For this remake, the Dutch won by a short head, 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Mats Wieffer. The latter scored in the 53rd minute on an assist from Moroccan Oussama Idrissi.
Rendezvous on Thursday, April 20 for the second leg.
⚽️ A, B, C or D...
Which #UEL goal gets your vote? 🗳️@Heineken || #UELGOTW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 13, 2023
