Roma and Feyenoord are celebrating making it to the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League knockout stage, while Manchester United and Arsenal signed off from the group stage with victories.
Below is the round up of Thursday’s action.
Roma 3-1 Ludogorets
Roma claimed their place in the knockout play-offs the hard way as they came back to get the win they needed to beat Ludogorets to second place in Group C. Rick’s solo opener was a distant memory by the time substitute Nicolò Zaniolo won two penalties, each converted by Lorenzo Pellegrini. After Nonato’s leveller was disallowed following a VAR check, Zaniolo got a third, and Ludogorets’ Olivier Verdon was sent off in the closing stages.
Feyenoord 1-0 Lazio
Substitute Santiago Gimenez sent Feyenoord through as group winners by virtue of goals scored as all four sides in Group F finished on eight points, with Lazio condemned to third place following their defeat in Rotterdam. Both sides hit the woodwork, and the visitors led the standings until Gimenez intervened in the 64th minute to prod in from close range. Biancocelesti forward Luka Romero was dismissed for a last-gasp second booking.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Man United
Real Sociedad held on to pip Manchester United to top spot in Group E despite losing on the night. The visitors needed to win by two goals to nick top spot, but Alejandro Garnacho’s well-taken goal in the 17th minute was all they could muster in San Sebastian. David De Gea made a fine double save just before the break and the home side had the better of the chances after the interval, but neither keeper was really tested as United came up just short, with both sides finishing on 15 points.
Arsenal 1-0 Zürich
Kieran Tierney’s impressive strike ensured Arsenal got the win they required to top Group A despite a nervy showing against Zürich. The Gunners started the game with a two-point lead over second-placed PSV, and appeared to have dispelled any lingering worries when Tierney’s swerving half-volley arrowed into the net. Mikel Arteta’s men were unable to make it a more comfortable evening, but held out for the victory.
Trabzonspor 1-0 Ferencváros
The Turkish champions missed out on a place in the knockout play-offs despite a narrow win over Group H winners Ferencváros. Greek international Anastasios Bakasetas clinched victory for the hosts with a magnificent curling drive from the edge of the area, but Monaco’s win over Crvena zvezda means Abdullah Avcı’s side finish third and enter the Europa Conference League knockout play-offs.
