MANCHESTER – Manchester United and Sevilla performed a thrilling and full surprise game in the UEFA Europa League season 2022/23 quarter final first leg.
The Red Devils held a marvellous start most of the time last night, but eventually ended as a draw after two own goals in the last ten minutes.
At Old Trafford, Marcel Sabitzer enlightened the home fans with brilliant double scores in the 14th and 21th minutes, helping the local team lead the aggregate 2-0 in the qualification stage.
However, things went wrong starting the 84th minute, as Tyrell Malacia reflected his opponent’s shot into the net as an own goal.
United’s captain Harry Maguire scored again own goal in the 90+2’, as his heading turned Youssef En-Nesyri’s attempt behind the goal line.
Man United lost 3 main players
After the tie game at home yesterday, Manchester United bear a disadvantage in their visit to Spain next week.
Sevilla only need a 1-0 win at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in the coming Thursday, or another draw in the ninety minutes will take the game into extra time or penalty shootout.
The six times Europa League winner performed poorly in the Spanish LaLiga this season, but they are certainly a formidable team in this European event.
Besides, the Red Devils lost at least three main players in the quarter final second leg, making it more difficult to beat the “King of Europa League” in the away game.
Their solid centre-back Lisandro Martinez was sent off during the match last night due to an injury, while playmaker Bruno Fernandes was suspended after collecting two yellow cards in two UEL appearances.
Before yesterday, United’s best striker Marcus Rashford was absent for at least two weeks due to a groin injury.
Juventus win, Roma lose
In the same night, Juventus defeated Sporting CP at Allianz Stadium, holding a slight advantage in their visit to Portugal in the second bout.
A precious goal from Federico Gatti in the 73th minute secured the Italian giant’s victory over the Portuguese club who eliminated Arsenal in the round of 16.
Another team from the Serie A, AS Roma lost 1-0 to Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Netherlands, as Mats Wieffer’s wonderful long shot gave the Dutch club a good start.
Jose Mourinho’s squad needs to at least win a goal at Stadio Olimpico next Thursday to avoid being knocked out.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise in Germany.
Upcoming: EPL matchday 31
The English Premier League season 2022/23 matchday 31 will be played from this Saturday to next Monday.
Aston Villa will meet Newcastle in the earliest game, the home team who hailed four consecutive wins might give the Magpies a big challenge in their mission to hold third place.
Arsenal will visit West Ham United as a London derby, the Gunners seek three points to retain their leading advantage in the EPL table.
Manchester City expects a big win over Leicester City, to keep a pressure on the throne.
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