UEFA Cups: Ismaïla Sarr shines, Strasbourg enters history
The return leg quarter-finals of the Europa League and the Europa Conference League have announced their verdict on Thursday, after an evening full of twists and turns. Between favorites' confirmations, unexpected exploits and outstanding performances by African players, the semi-finals are now complete and promise a particularly open end of the European season.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Europa League: Nottingham Forest takes over Porto, Fribourg impresses
The last four of the UEFA Europa League is now known, with posters contrasting between expected confirmations and more discreet emergences. Winner of the previous round against Olympique Lyonnais, Fribourg confirmed their rise by overtaking Celta Vigo (1-3 in the return, 6-1 combined). A demonstration of mastery that installs the German club as a credible underdog in this end of competition. He will face in the semi-finals Sporting Braga, last Portuguese representative on the European stage this season.
The elimination of FC Porto by Nottingham Forest (1-0, 2-1 combined) confirms the momentum of the English clubs in this campaign. Solid and disciplined, the Premier League club continues on their journey and will find a familiar opponent in the semi-finals.
Indeed, Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, is emerging as the big favorite of this edition. The European experience of the Spanish technician, a recognized specialist in continental competitions, could weigh heavily in a 100% English duel against Forest.
Beyond the trophy, the stakes remain high: the winner of the Europa League will automatically validate his ticket for the next UEFA Champions League, a strategic lever for clubs seeking a European dimension.
Conference League: Strasbourg creates the exploit, Sarr decisive with Palace
The UEFA Europa Conference League continues to offer spectacular and sometimes historic scenarios. Down 0-2 in the first leg, RC Strasbourg overthrew Mainz 05 with authority (4-0). A comeback that propels the Alsatian club into the European semi-finals for the first time in its history. A major performance on the scale of recent French football in this competition.
Strasbourg will face Rayo Vallecano, a convincing winner in his quarter, who will try to continue his great continental adventure. In the other part of the table, Shakhtar Donetsk have been admitted despite a return match against AZ Alkmaar, capitalizing on their success in the first leg.
Finally, Crystal Palace resisted Fiorentina’s attack, led by a goal from Senegalese Ismaïla Sarr. Already 3-0 winners in the first leg, the Londoners managed to keep their lead to reach the last four.