Reports and reaction
That’s it for our Europa League clockwatch. Thanks for your company on a busy and dramatic night. I’ll leave you with a report of Arsenal’s shocking defeat at the Emirates.
The draw for the last 16 will take place tomorrow. This is the line-up:
- Olympiacos
- Manchester United
- Wolves
- Basaksehir
- Rangers
- Getafe
- Leverkusen
- Copenhagen
- Basel
- Sevilla
- LASK
- Internazionale
- Eintracht Frankfurt or Red Bull Salzburg
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Wolfsburg
- Roma
The Olympiacos players are running wild, and quite right too. It’s a desperate night for Arsenal, who looked to be comfortable after their 1-0 win in Greece last week. Football, eh.
Disaster at the death for Arsenal! 😱
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
El Arabi ghosts in at the back post to tuck home with seconds remaining!
The Gunners are OUT on away goals. pic.twitter.com/6JHBoja8mC
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Full time: Arsenal 1-2 Olympiacos (agg: 2-2, Olympiacos through on away goals)
Arsenal are out of the Europa League! Aubameyang missed an absolute sitter with the last kick of the tie, somehow clipping a loose ball wide from eight yards. That’s extraordinary.
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120 min There will be two minutes of added time.
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Amazing stuff. The goal came from a needlessly conceded corner, for which the Olympiacos keeper Jose Sa came forward. It was half cleared and tossed back into the area, where El Arabi got the wrong side of Sokratis to poke the ball past Leno. It was a superb ball in from the right by Masouras and a good finish, though Sokratis was more than a little dopey in his defending and David Luiz had his hand up for a non-existent offside.
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GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Olympiacos (agg: 2-2; El Arabi 119)
Olympiacos have done it!!!
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“I’m sure Arsenal fans won’t need reminding,” says Simon McMahon, “that they last won a European trophy the year before The Bends was released.”
And when this little festival of yearning was No1.
115 min: Arsenal 1-1 Olympiacos (agg: 2-1) Now Olympiacos must score or they are out. If they do score, they will be ahead on away goals. But they look shattered.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Olympiacos (agg: 2-1, Aubameyang 113)
Pick that out! Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang puts Arsenal ahead on aggregate with a spectcular scissor-kick! Ozil’s cross was headed up in the air, and Aubameyang got into a position for an elegant and emphatic scissor kick that flew past Jose Sa.
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Martinelli is on. I forgot to say that. Saka continues to deliver some beautiful crosses from the left, the latest of which leads to a bit of a scramble in the Olympiacos area.
108 min: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1): Masouras hits the top of the bar! It was a brilliant effort, curled towards the far corner from the edge of the box.
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Arsenal’s last penalty shootout in this competition was that miserable night in Copenhagen 20 years ago.
“I am also in California,” says Zach Neeley, “but this match is making me interested in something stronger than apple cider.”
Celtic 1-3 Copenhagen (agg: 2-4) It was a stinker of a night for Celtic. Ewan Murray was there.
Half time in extra time: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Oh, Arsenal.
“Here in California, Martinelli is the name of a renowned brand of non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider,” says Peter Oh. “When your reader mentioned the name, I immediately felt the urge for a glass of bubbly, golden, crisp perfection. Neither shaken nor stirred.”
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104 min: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) A good chance for Olympiacos! The substitute Bruno Gaspar was through on goal, just inside the area, but splattered a half-volley high and wide.
103 min: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Mustafi limps off to be replaced by Sokratis.
Manchester United 5-0 Club Brugge Here’s more on a comfortable night for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.
“Sevilla have been one of the most interesting stories of the season, for me,” says Sebastian Wood. “Sold all of their big-name players over the summer, made 15 signings including the disgraced former Real Madrid and Spain manager, and this year are better than ever.”
And their history in this competition is a definite advantage, even with a whole new squad.
99 min Arsenal appeal for handball in the area when Aubameyang’s shot hits a defender. It did hit his arm, but his body position was natural and he didn’t move towards the ball.
“Someone asked for Martinelli,” says Ian Copestake. “Shaken or stirred?”
96 min: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Lots of Arsenal pressure at the start of extra time, though no real chances. Olympiacos would take penalties; they look shattered.
“As the ties currently stand - and if we assume that Conte will be prioritizing title challenge higher than the EL - are Manchester United now the front-runners to win the competition?” asks Doremus Schafer.
There are some good teams left in it, including Sevilla, Roma, Shakhtar, Leverkusen (who looked great tonight), Wolves and possibly Arsenal. If Marcus Rashford was fit I’d make United favourites; without him, I’m not so sure. I’d go for Inter, Leverkusen or Sevilla.
“Martinelli please,” says Zach Neeley. “That is all.”
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Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Extra time is under way at the Emirates. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, not when Arsenal won the first leg away from home.
Arsenal’s match is the only one going to extra-time. The rest have finished, and these are the final scores.
- Ajax 2-1 Getafe (agg: 2-3)
- Benfica 3-3 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 4-5)
- Celtic 1-3 Copenhagen (agg: 2-4)
- Internazionale 2-1 Ludogorets (agg: 4-1)
- Man Utd 5-0 Club Brugge (agg: 6-1)
- Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1, Sevilla through on away goals)
That’s a really sore one for Celtic, who are eliminated in the last 32 for the third consecutive season.
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GOAL! Man Utd 5-0 Club Brugge (agg: 6-1, Fred 90+3) It’s a very, very good night when Fred scores twice.
Full time: Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) It’s going to extra time.
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Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Mustafi makes a vital interception in the last minute of injury time! Without his sliding tackle, El Arabi would have had a simple chance from six yards.
NO GOAL! Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1) Cluj’s goal has been VARed, so as things stand Sevilla are going through on away goals.
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GOAL! Celtic 1-3 Copenhagen (N'Doye 88)
It’s all over for Celtic. Dame N’Doye stumbles straight through the defence and finishes calmly past Forster.
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GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-2; Paun-Alexandru 87) The shock is on in Seville as well.
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GOAL! Celtic 1-2 Copenhagen (agg: 2-3, Biel 85)
A savage blow at Celtic Park! The overlapping Pep Biel coolly nutmegs Fraser Forster to put Copenhagen ahead - and now Celtic need two more.
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Latest scores
- Ajax 2-1 Getafe (agg: 2-3)
- Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1)
- Benfica 3-3 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 4-5)
- Celtic 1-1 Copenhagen (agg: 2-2)
- Internazionale 2-1 Ludogorets (agg: 4-1)
- Man Utd 4-0 Club Brugge (agg: 5-1)
- Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1)
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Copenhagen (agg: 2-2, Edouard 83 pen)
Odsonne Edouard brings the house down with the laziest of Panenkas!
GOAL! Man Utd 4-0 Club Brugge (agg: 5-1, Fred 82)
PENALTY TO CELTIC! It was given by VAR, after a slightly weird handball by Ragnar Sigurdsson.
Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen Celtic, whose need for a goal is even more urgent than Arsenal’s, are also having their best spell of the half.
Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos Arsenal are starting to put Olympiacos under extreme pressure. Nicolas Pepe has just forced a good save from Jose Sa, with Alexandre Lacazette heading wide moments later. He should have scored.
Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen (agg: 1-2) Griffiths almost scores straight away, but the Copenhagen keeper Karl-Johan Johnsson makes a terrific block from close range.
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GOAL! Benfica 3-3 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 4-5, Patrick 71) Alan Patrick has given Shakhtar a two-goal cushion in Portugal.
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Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen (agg: 1-2) Leigh Griffiths has come on for Celtic, replacing Mohamed Elyounoussi. Celtic have 20 minutes to save the tie.
Arsenal 0-1 Olympiakos Arsenal are living dangerously. A brilliant cross from the impressive left-back Tsimikas just evades El Arabi, who was a couple of yards away from having a simple tap-in.
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It’s now Ajax 2-1 Getafe (agg: 2-3), with Getafe’s Mathis Olivera scoring an own goal. Ajax need two more to go through.
Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) It’s still pretty even at the Emirates, with Arsenal struggling to create anything of note.
“About the coronavirus situation in Lyon, national authorities have not decided to close the France-Italy border nor cancel any public event, which included the match,” says Alexandre Chesneau. “Instead, they prioritized informing the public in the stadium about the situation, and also banned people coming from Italian cities suffering from the outbreak from coming to the match. So I guess the discrepancy is due to the French authorities’ handling of the situation (that being said, local authorities weren’t thrilled with the perspective of hundreds of Italians from a region near the outbreak coming to town, but they can’t cancel a public event like this on their own).”
It’s quite an interesting debate. When does the risk of transmission become sufficient to cancel a sporting event, or even a Marilyn Manson concert?
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Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen (agg: 1-2) There’s a febrile atmosphere at Celtic Park, where Copenhagen are having an excellent spell. This was supposed to be a comfortable night for Celtic; it has turned into anything but.
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“I don’t care about other sports,” says Ben Aitkenhead. “They are not the same and comparisons are flawed. Technology works for objective decisions that can be made instantly (eg goal-line technology). But it is awful in all sports where decisions are subjective. And the process of review inevitably delays emotional responses - by definition - which destroys atmosphere. Bin it.”
Amen. It’ll never happen, though.
Latest scores
- Ajax 1-1 Getafe (agg: 1-3)
- Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1)
- Benfica 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 4-4)
- Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen (agg: 1-2)
- Internazionale 2-1 Ludogorets (agg: 4-1)
- Man Utd 3-0 Club Brugge (agg: 4-1)
- Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1)
Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1) Leno makes an excellent save from Tsimikas, who went on a glory run and lifted a dangerous shot from the edge of the area. If Arsenal concede again they will be in serious schtuck.
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 Copenhagen (agg: 1-2, Santos 51)
Uh-oh. A desperate mistake from Jozo Simunovic allows the substitute Michael Santos to give Copenhagen the lead at Celtic Park.
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“The reason for empty stadiums in Milan, while allowing the Juve game to go ahead,” says Abdul Basit, “is because Milan is in the Lombardy region which is where all the outbreaks are currently linked to, with Lombardy having half of all Italian cases. Turin is not in that region.”
“It’s fairly clear that Arteta has made an impact, and Arsenal do look generally better than they did before his appointment,” wrote Matt Dony. “But really, any team that can field Aubameyang, Lacazette, Pepe and Ozil in attack (and Luiz in defence!) should be a lot more entertaining to watch.”
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos (agg: 1-1, Cisse 53)
Arsenal have a problem. The unmarked Papa Abou Cisse scores a simple header from a corner to bring Olympiacos level on aggregate at the Emirates. As things stand, the match is going to extra-time.
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GOAL! Benfica 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (Stepanenko 49) As I was saying. Taras Stepanenko has brought Shakhtar level on aggregate - and ahead of away goals - in a humdinger at the Estadio da Luz.
“Genuine question,” begins Tim Smith. “So, Inter playing at home in empty stadium. IRFU six nations Ireland Vs Italy already cancelled. I get the abundance of caution, but last night Juventus played in Lyon. Presumably some away fans made the trip? Just wondering if there is any consistency here?”
I don’t know enough about it to comment, really. But based on my vague understanding of human history, it wouldn’t be entirely without precedent for some important people to be making it up as they go along.
“Memory,” is the subject of Simon McMahon’s email. “The Bends was released 25 years ago next month, Rob. 25 years, though!!!”
See, now that really does feel like it was 25 years ago, at least.
GOAL! Benfica 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk (Silva 47) Rafa Silva puts Benfica ahead in the tie, though Shakhtar only need a 3-2 defeat to go through on away goals.
Peep peep! The second halves are underway.
In case you missed the early games, these were the results:
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-3 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-5)
- LASK 2-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 3-1)
- Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0)
- Porto 1-3 Leverkusen (agg: 2-5)
- Extra time: Istanbul Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 4-4)
- Espanyol 3-2 Wolves (agg: 3-6)
- Basaksehir 4-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 5-4)
“Evening Rob,” says Michael George. “As a fan of the NFL and baseball, which have had ‘VAR’ for years, football needs to make a choice. Either do away with Stockley Park (aka le Parc de la Stockley on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), or the referee reviewing le Parc’s decisions. To have both is ridiculous and time consuming!”
There is a third choice.
Peep peep! It’s half-time in the late games, and these are the scores.
- Ajax 1-1 Getafe (agg: 1-3)
- Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos (agg: 1-0)
- Benfica 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 3-3)
- Celtic 0-0 Copenhagen (agg: 1-1)
- Internazionale 2-1 Ludogorets (agg: 3-1)
- Man Utd 3-0 Club Brugge (agg: 4-1)
- Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1)
GOAL! Internazionale 2-1 Ludogorets (Lukaku 45, agg: 4-1) A freak goal puts Internazionale 4-1 up on aggregate. Romelu Lukaku’s stooping header is saved by the keeper, but the ball rebounds back off his noggin and loops gently in the net.
Ighalo has his goal 🙌
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
First United start, first United goal ✅
That ball from Fernandes 🤤 pic.twitter.com/ElJVo3A6lU
“Evening Rob,” says Patrick O’Brien. “The commentator on BT mentioned earlier that Bruno Fernandes has five goals for Spirting in this seasons Uefa cup. When did they sack off the cup-tied rules?”
They changed it recently, last year I think. But knowing how the memory of a fortysomething works, that probably means it was changed in the early 2000s.
GOAL! Man Utd 3-0 Club Brugge (agg: 4-1, McTominay 41)
This tie is done and done. Scott McTominay returns to the side with a goal, sidefooting confidently into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos Alexandre Lacazette has had a goal disallowed for offside against Saka in the build-up. Shame as it was another lovely, clean assist from Saka, a fast, low cross that gave Lacazette an open goal.
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Ajax 1-1 Getafe (agg: 1-3) Getafe have hit the post and bar in quick succession. Ajax are having a lot of the ball but they need another three goals, at least.
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“Mate im trying to find the arsenal score but youve got a fixation on manure,” says Kevin Baker. “I dont give a fuck about man utd where’s the arsenal score please?”
0-0 mate.
GOAL! Benfica 2-1 Shakhtar (agg: 3-3, Ruben 37) The tie is level on aggregate after an excellent downward header from Ruben Dias.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-0 Club Brugge (agg: 3-1, Ighalo 34)
Odion Ighalo scores on his full debut! It was a simple finish after good play from Bruno Fernandes and Juan Mata, and Nigeria will be a very happy place right now.
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Latest scores
- Ajax 1-1 Getafe (agg: 1-3)
- Arsenal 0-0 Olympiacos (agg: 1-0)
- Benfica 1-1 Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 2-3)
- Celtic 0-0 Copenhagen (agg: 1-1)
- Internazionale 1-1 Ludogorets (agg: 3-1)
- Man Utd 1-0 Club Brugge (agg: 2-1)
- Sevilla 0-0 CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1)
Celtic 0-0 Copenhagen (agg: 1-1) Celtic have been excellent so far and should be ahead. A 0-0 draw is good enough for them to go through, mind.
GOAL! Internazionale 1-1 Ludogorets (agg: 3-1, Biraghi 31) Christian Eriksen finds the overlapping Biraghi, whose deflected shot beats the keeper at the near post.
Oh no! 🙈
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
It's a good job Wolves are comfortably through on aggregate...
Pedro Neto has just missed a sitter! pic.twitter.com/j9OFKrPIcO
What's going on here!? 🤣
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
A great save from defender Simon Deli, who is duly shown a red card... 🤦♂️
United score the subsequent penalty! pic.twitter.com/ktcFbeWGqA
GOAL! Inter 0-1 Ludogorets (agg: 2-1, Oliveira-Souza 27) That’s silenced the home crowd, etc, etc.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Club Brugge (Fernandes 27 pen)
The new Old Trafford hero, Bruno Fernandes, gives United the lead with another impressively cocksure penalty. Brugge are also down to 10 men: Simon Deli was sent off for handling a goalbound shot from Daniel James.
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Full time: Basaksehir 4-1 Sporting (agg: 5-4) A famous victory for Basaksehir!
There are some VAR fun and games at Old Trafford. Tumaini Carayol will tell you more.
GOAL! Basaksehir 4-1 Sporting (agg: 5-4, Visca 119 pen) Edin Visca smashes a penalty into the roof of the net to put Basaksehir ahead!
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Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting (agg: 4-4) The tie is nine minutes from penalties.
GOAL! Benfica 1-1 Shakhtar (Junior Moraes 12, agg: 2-3) A vital away goal for Shakhtar, with Junior Moraes scrambling the ball over the line. He knew very little about it, if that, as he slid towards a low cross with a couple of defenders. I doubt he’ll care though.
GOAL! Ajax 1-1 Getafe (Danilo 11, agg: 1-3) One down, three to go. The young Brazilian Danilo scores an open goal to give Ajax a snifter of hope against Getafe.
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GOAL! Benfica 1-0 Shakhtar (Pizzi 9, agg: 2-2) Benfica are level on aggregate. Pizzi has given them the lead with a nice goal, steering the ball sweetly into the far corner from just inside the box.
Internazionale 0-0 Ludogorets (agg: 2-0) Romelu Lukaku has missed a one-on-one for Inter, who are playing behind closed doors because of the coronavirus outbreak.
GOAL! Ajax 0-1 Getafe (agg: 0-3, Mata 6) An important early goal in Amsterdam. Jaime Mata has put Getafe three up on aggregate, and with an away goal as well. Ajax are in all sorts.
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Peep peep! The evening games are under way. Don’t forget you can follow Man Utd v Club Brugge with Tumaini Carayol.
Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting (agg: 4-4) Ten minutes gone in extra time. As things stand, it’s going to penalties.
“I am going to print this MBM,” says Mystic Peter Van, “and next time I’m talking football with my mates, I’ll shove it in their faces and say, ‘Yes, but have YOU ever been proven right on a Guardian MBM?’ And so, at the request of no-one, here are my guesses for the late games:
- Arsenal to go through (easily)
- United to go through (not so easily)
- Benfica beat Shakhtar
- Getafe hold on vs. Ajax
- I will soon have no mates to talk football with.”
“Think Neto showed his inexperience there,” said Phil Russell. “Jota would have taken the contact, got the keeper sent off and had an outfield player in goal for the free kick.”
The later games will kick off in the next few minutes. And here they are:
- Ajax v Getafe (agg: 0-2)
- Arsenal v Olympiacos (agg: 1-0)
- Benfica v Shakhtar Donetsk (agg: 1-2)
- Celtic v Copenhagen (agg: 1-1)
- Internazionale v Ludogorets (agg: 2-0)
- Man Utd v Club Brugge (agg: 1-1)
- Sevilla v CFR Cluj (agg: 1-1)
That’s it for the early games, apart from Basaksehir v Sporting Lisbon. These are the latest/final scores:
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-3 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-5)
- LASK 2-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 3-1)
- Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0)
- Porto 1-3 Leverkusen (agg: 2-5)
- Extra time: Istanbul Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 4-4)
- Espanyol 3-2 Wolves (agg: 3-6)
Full time: Espanyol 3-2 Wolves (agg: 3-6)
Peep peep! Wolves reach the last 16 in Europe for the first time since 1971-72. In the long-term, however, the match will probably be remembered for a very special miss by Pedro Neto.
Oh no! 🙈
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
It's a good job Wolves are comfortably through on aggregate...
Pedro Neto has just missed a sitter! pic.twitter.com/j9OFKrPIcO
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Full time: Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting (agg: 4-4) The match goes to extra-time, though Robinho - yep, him, yep he’s 36 now - almost won it with the last kick of the game. His swirling long-range drive whistled just over the bar.
Roma, Wolfsburg and LASK are all through to the last 16. Wolves, Basel and Leverkusen are about to join them.
GOAL! Espanyol 3-2 Wolves (agg: 3-6; Callari 90+2)
Jonathan Callari complets a consolation hat-trick with a good downward header. Wolves will be a bit annoyed to lose on the night, but the main thing is that they are through to the last 16.
GOAL! Basaksehir 3-1 Sporting (agg: 4-4; Visca 90+2) Edin Visca has taken the match to extra-time!
Espanyol 2-2 Wolves Pedro Neto has just missed an open goal from 20 yards. He went round the keeper and calmly sidefooted the ball wide. That registers very high on the Rosenthalometer, and I suspect the clip will be going viral this same night.
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Espanyol 2-2 Wolves Early days, but Daniel Podence could be yet another triumph for the Wolves scouting department. He’s had a terrific game.
Espanyol 2-2 Wolves Watching Wolves in the last 16 is going to be so much fun. Imagine the atmosphere at Molineux.
GOAL! Espanyol 2-2 Wolves (agg: 2-6, Doherty 79)
Wolves equalise on the night, with Matt Doherty scoring an open goal after good work from the lively Daniel Podence.
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Gent 1-1 Roma It hasn’t been an easy night for Roma - they scored from their only shot on target - but Gent are starting to run out of hope, ot to mention time.
These are the latest scores. Most of the ties look settled, though Basaksehir v Sporting Lisbon is poised pretty nicely. And Gent are still pushing enthusiastically for the two goals they need to Roma.
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-3 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-5)
- LASK 2-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 3-1)
- Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0)
- Porto 0-3 Leverkusen (agg: 1-5)
- Istanbul Basaksehir 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-4)
- Espanyol 2-1 Wolves (agg: 2-5)
Wolfsburg are now 3-0 ahead against Malmo, 5-1 on aggregate.
GOAL! Porto 1-3 Leverkusen (agg: 2-5, Marega 67) Two in a minute for Peter Van! Porto get a consolation goal, just as he predicted, with a cracking header from Moussa Marega.
GOAL! Istanbul Basaksehir 2-1 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-4, Vietto 68) Peter Van strikes again! Fulham alumnus Luciano Vietto has put Sporting Lisbon back in front on aggregate against the Turkish league leaders.
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Espanyol 2-1 Wolves (agg: 2-5) There’s a bit of huff and puff from Espanyol. But they still need four goals to go through and, well, no.
GOAL! Malmo 0-2 Wolfsburg (agg 1-4; Gerhardt 65) It’s a stroll in Sweden for Wolfsburg. Yannick Gerhardt has put them 4-1 ahead on aggregate.
“Dear Rob,” says Peter Van. “Thanks for acknowledging my very modest and very temporary success in predicting Gent to do well tonight vs. Roma. I’m not actually watching that game (Porto - Leverkusen is what’s on TV here). Based on that, here are some second half predictions:
- Porto will score but they are dreadful in defence and Leverkusen will go through
- Sporting Lisbon to come back against Basaksehir
- LASK will hold their lead vs. Alkmaar
- Wolves will, hmmm, qualify.”
GOAL! Porto 0-3 Leverkusen (agg: 1-5; Havertz 57)
This is a rout. The brilliant Kai Havertz, who made the first two goals, scores the third on the break.
Latest scores
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-1 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-3)
- LASK 2-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 3-1)
- Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0)
- Porto 0-2 Leverkusen (agg: 1-4)
- Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-3)
- Espanyol 2-1 Wolves (agg: 2-5)
A bit more team news
📋 Tonight's team news...
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 27, 2020
🇫🇷 @LacazetteAlex leads the line
🇬🇦 @Aubameyang7 also starts
🏴 @BukayoSaka87 named in starting XI
🏆 #UEL
#UEL team news! 🟢⚪
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 27, 2020
The Hoops' line-up for @FCKobenhavn... #CELCOP pic.twitter.com/Zqw38r7ufc
GOAL! Espanyol 2-1 Wolves (agg: 2-5, Calleri 57 pen)
Thanks Niall. Meanwhile, Jonathan Calleri’s relaxed penalty has put Espanyol ahead on the night against Wolves. They only need four more.
It’s game over in Porto, where Leverkusen now lead 2-0, and 4-1 on aggregate. Kerem Demirbay is the man on the scoresheet. Leverkusen can be formidable opponents when they’re on their game – the British teams who progress will hope to avoid them.
And speaking of formidable, it’s time to hand you back to Rob Smyth, who will guide you through the rest of this continental buffet.
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Daniel Podence almost puts Wolves ahead on the night, cutting inside but firing just over the bar. In Austria, Margo Raguz has scored a second for LASK Linz, who lead AZ Alkmaar 3-1 on aggregate in the Capital Letters Derby.
Here’s how to follow Manchester United v Club Brugge:
The players are heading back out for the second half in Barcelona, and everywhere else for that matter. Danijel Aleksic scored an absolutely belting free kick just before the break to give Istanbul Basaksehir a 2-0 lead over Sporting:
Brilliance from Aleksic! 😱
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2020
Wonderful free-kick that leaves the keeper rooted 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3QdABbpSvI
With Frankfurt’s game at Salzburg put back until Friday because of a storm, Eintracht fans have headed en masse to watch an ice hockey game instead. They’re watching Red Bull’s hockey team against Klagenfurt, and backing the away side:
Heute keine Europa League in Salzburg? Egal! 1000 #SGE-Fans unterstützen heute beim Eishockey Klagenfurt gegen Red Bull. 😅 #SALSGE pic.twitter.com/JbcdrsvYcs
— Jonas 🦅🎯 (@jtresbach) February 27, 2020
Remember when West Ham drew Romania’s Astra Giurgiu twice in Europa League qualifying – and got knocked out both times? Well, it’s been pretty much downhill ever since for the Hammers – and now they’re battling the dreaded drop:
Arsenal, Celtic and Manchester United are all in action at 8pm (GMT), with Odion Ighalo set for his first United start at home to Club Brugge. Rob will be keeping tabs on that one, but you can also join Tumaini Carayol in a separate MBM:
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 27, 2020
🔻 First #MUFC start for @IghaloJude
🔻 First start since Boxing Day for @McTominay10
🔻 Seven changes from the first leg#UEL
Thanks, Rob. Some serious pre-season friendly vibes about Espanyol v Wolves, now the visitors have that away goal. It’s also looking very good for Leverkusen, Basel and Wolfsburg. Tie of the night so far is in Istanbul, where Basaksehir lead Sporting on away goals.
Peep peep! It’s half time in the seven early games, and these are the scores.
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-1 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-3)
- LASK 1-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 2-1)
- Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0)
- Porto 0-1 Leverkusen (agg: 1-3)
- Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-3)
- Espanyol 1-1 Wolves (agg: 1-5)
There’s a long night ahead, oh yes, so I’m going to take a short break. Niall McVeigh will be with you for the next 20 minutes or so. Bye!
GOAL! Istanbul Basaksehir 2-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 3-3, Aleksic 45) Danijel Aleksic has brought Basaksehir level on aggregate - and they are ahead on away goals.
GOAL! Malmo 0-1 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-3; Brekalo 42)
GOAL! LASK 1-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 2-1; Raguz 44 pen)
GOAL! Basel 1-0 APOEL (agg: 4-0; F Frei 38 pen) Basel will be in the last 16.
Porto 0-1 Leverkusen (agg: 1-3) Leverkusen have been a class above Porto in the first 37 minutes 44 seconds.
Latest scores
- Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2)
- Malmo 0-0 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-2)
- LASK 0-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 1-1)
- Basel 0-0 APOEL (agg: 3-0)
- Porto 0-1 Leverkusen (agg: 1-3)
- Istanbul Basaksehir 1-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 2-3)
- Espanyol 1-1 Wolves (agg: 1-5)
“Hi Rob,” says Matt Burtz. “This email may only be applicable to approximately two people, but Americans with a cable subscription can watch some Europa League games through Univision’s streaming service. Yes, it’s in Spanish, but it’s better than nothing, and you get to hear the classic ‘GOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLL’ or some variation thereof.”
Will it explain Brexit though?
Istanbul Basaksheir 1-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 2-3) Our old friend Martin Skrtel has put the Super Lig leaders Basaksehir in front against Sporting Lisbon.
GOAL! Gent 1-1 Roma (agg: 1-2; Kluivert 29)
A hammer blow to Gent, and a vital away goal for Roma. Justin Kluivert makes a good run infield, onto Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s nice through pass, and finished confidently.
GOAL! Gent 1-0 Roma (agg: 1-1; David 25)
Peter Van predicted it! Jonathan David has given Gent the lead with a goal of unobtrusive call. There must have been at least 20 passes in the build-up. Eventually Roman Bezus put in a brilliant cross from the right, and David pulled off his man to steer an accomplished half-volley past Pau Lopez. Delightful stuff.
Updated
GOAL! Espanyol 1-1 Wolves (agg: 1-5, Traore 22)
Adama Traore, back in his birthplace of Barcelona, scores at the second attempt to put Wolves 5-1 ahead on aggregate. They also have an away goal, which means Espanyol need at least five more to go through.
Updated
Latest scores
- Gent 0-0 Roma (agg: 0-1)
- Malmo 0-0 Wolfsburg (agg: 1-2)
- LASK 0-0 AZ Alkmaar (agg: 1-1)
- Basel 0-0 APOEL (agg: 3-0)
- Porto 0-1 Leverkusen (agg: 1-3)
- Istanbul Basaksehir 0-0 Sporting Lisbon (agg: 1-3)
- Espanyol 1-0 Wolves (agg: 1-4)
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Wolves (agg: 1-4, Calleri 15)
A-hem, as I was saying. Jonathan Calleri gives Espanyol the lead with a crisp finish at the near post from Pedrosa’s low cross.
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Espanyol 0-0 Wolves No sign of an imminent nightmare for Wolves. Rui Patricio has just made a terrific save, though yer man was offside.
“I’ll be relying solely on your MBMing skills today as they no longer show Europa League games on TV here and I’m too cheap to pay to watch them,” says J. R. in Illinois. “Ah well. I guess I’ll just continue reading this book explaining why y’all Brexited yourselves even though I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand. Maybe if these games are uneventful and you’re looking for material you could try explaining it to me.”
No.
GOAL! Porto 0-1 Leverkusen (Alario 11)
Leverkusen go 3-1 ahead on aggregate. As in the first leg, Lucas Alario had a goal disallowed for offside on the field and then given by VAR. It was a calm, accomplished finish at the end of a neat move, and Leverkusen are well on course for the last 16.
Updated
Espanyol 0-0 Wolves Nothing much to report after six minutes, though Espanyol have been lively enough. The RCDE Stadium looks a quarter full at best.
Peep peep! The seven early games have started. These are the latest scores.
“Dear Rob,” says Peter Van. “I fully agree that tonight’s top matchup is Porto - Leverkusen. But I’d keep an eye on Gent-Roma too. I saw Gent demolish Wolfsburg in the group stages and I was impressed, I think they might turn it around against a hot-and-cold Roma team. And they feature striker Jonathan David, sure to be a recurring feature in your Rumour Mill column.
“On a different note - do you share the (very, very wrong) opinion as most of your colleagues in the English media, according to whom the Europa Vase is a waste of time, useful only as an alternative path to the Big Megabucks League?”
I’m no Europa League disciple – I have a very snobbish subconscious, which I hate – but even so, that attitude has always irritated me. When you win a trophy you should be high on glory, not your win bonus. That’s why I’ve really enjoyed watching Wolves in Europe this season, because there has been no entitlement or elitism.
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“Evening Rob,” says Simon McMahon. “After Rangers and Man City STORMED it on the continent last night, it’d be good to see more British teams making a STATEMENT tonight. It’s all part of the Brexit dividend, innit? If we ignore what happened to Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea, of course.”
I love that Britain (well, England) is even being shown up by Europe when it comes to VAR.
Some pre-match reading (and listening)
Team news
Wolves, who are 4-0 up from the first leg, have picked a weakened side to face Espanyol. They’ll regret that if they lose 12-0.
👥 STARTING XI |
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) February 27, 2020
11 d'Abelardo! 💪⚪️🔵#Volem | #EspanyoldeBarcelona | #RCDE | #UEL pic.twitter.com/hD73nXEkGM
Here is how Wolves line up for tonight's @EuropaLeague round of 32 second leg against @RCDEspanyol.
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 27, 2020
🇵🇹 A first start for our number ten, Daniel Podence! #ESPWOL
🐺📋 pic.twitter.com/FRTyoUNmbA
There’s a decent chance that there will be five British clubs in the last 16. Wolves and Arsenal should progress comfortably - should - while Celtic and Manchester United are favourites after managing score draws away to Copenhagen and Club Brugge respectively. The match of the night is probably in Portugal, where FC Porto start 2-1 down to Bayer Leverkusen.
And these are the 8pm games (9pm CET)
- Benfica v Shakhtar Donetsk (1-2)
- Internazionale v Ludogorets (2-0)
- Man Utd v Club Brugge (1-1)
- Arsenal v Olympiacos (1-0)
- Sevilla v CFR Cluj (1-1)
- Celtic v Copenhagen (1-1)
- Ajax v Getafe (0-2)
These are the 5.55pm kick-offs (6.55pm CET; first leg scores in brackets)
- Gent v Roma (0-1)
- Malmo v Wolfsburg (1-2)
- LASK v AZ Alkmaar (1-1)
- Basel v APOEL (3-0)
- Porto v Leverkusen (1-2)
- Istanbul Basaksehir v Sporting Lisbon (1-3)
- Espanyol v Wolves (0-4)
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Preamble
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Europa League last 32, phase B, part deux, second leg ties. Rangers have already qualified for the next round, so there are 15 more places up for grabs. The kick-offs are staggered as usual, with seven at 5.55pm UK time and seven more at 8pm.
A gold star for the first person who shouted at their screen: “Hang on, 7+7 does NOT equal 15! Do you get paid for this? ‘The world’s leading liberal voice’? Liberal maths more like lol.”
Yes, the match between Salzburg v Frankfurt has been postponed (or, to put it in the parlance of our times, POSTPONED) because of a storm warning. It has been rescheduled (RESCHEDULED) for tomorrow afternoon.
That’ll be then, this is now: let’s look at tonight’s games.
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