Europa League: Man U, Juventus Win, Arsenal Draw

Posted by Samson Kankan Latest Headlines, Sports News Thursday, March 9th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Manchester United extended their unbeaten streak at Old Trafford to 20 matches, blitzing Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie.

Seeking an immediate remedy to his side’s 7-0 trouncing to rivals Liverpool on Sunday evening, Erik ten Hag had a smile on his face after just six minutes, with goals from Rashford, Antony, Fernandes and Weghort made sure they are one foot to the next round .

Meanwhile,Juventus will take a precious advantage to Germany in their UEFA Europa League round-of-16 tie with SC Freiburg, after a fourth goal in two games for Ángel Di María ensured they ran out 1-0 first-leg victors at Allianz Stadium.

Though Freiburg exceeded all expectations in both domestic and continental football this season, tonight’s trip to Turin was a new proposition for Die Breisgauer, as they found themselves at this stage of a European competition for the first time ever. It was always going to be daunting against a Juventus side with a point to prove themselves, after Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at Roma took the Bianconeri further from Serie A top four contention.

Sporting Lisbon put up a spirited effort to hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in this UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg encounter at the Estádio José Alvalade, with the visitors still unbeaten in five H2Hs against the Portuguese giants, thanks to Hidemasa Morita’s unfortunate own goal in the second half.

The Second round of matches are slated for next Thursday.