Emre Can and Liverpool now hold the advantage in the Europa League round of 16. In the all-English tie with Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Manchester United, the Reds ran out 2-0 winners at Anfield and now look comfortable heading into the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday (kick-off 19:00 CET). A Daniel Sturridge penalty put the home side ahead after Memphis Depay was penalised by referee Cesar Velasco Carballo for a shirt-pull on Nathaniel Clyne. The second goal was scored by Roberto Firmino after good play from Adam Lallana.
Can was deployed in defensive midfield and showed his qualities as he put out fires across the pitch and also set up attacks. From United’s point of view, the damage was limited by goalkeeper David de Gea, who pulled of numerous top-quality saves throughout the match.
Schweinsteiger also celebrated his return to action for Manchester United. Following a two-month layoff, the World Champion entered the game with ten minutes to go. His best moment of the game was a cross to Marouane Fellaini at the far post, who narrowly missed pulling a goal back for the visitors.
Mustafi‘s Valencia defeated in torrential conditions
Shkodran Mustafi and Valencia will be concerned about their prospects of progressing to the next round. In extremely wet conditions in Bilbao, Valencia suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Basques. With torrential rain and a pitch that was in parts unplayable, Raul Garcia headed the hosts in front following a free kick by Benat, which turned out to be the winning goal.
Bilbao continued to threaten the visitors’ goal, with Aritz Aduriz and Benat both drawing saves from keeper Matthew Ryan. Rodrigo had an excellent chance to equalise for Valencia, but he failed to convert from six yards out. Mustafi remained focused throughout despite the pouring rain and was impressive.
Good position for Klose’s Lazio
Miroslav Klose and Lazio are now well-placed to qualify for the quarter finals. The Italians earnt a 1-1 draw in their first leg at Sparta Prague. Roma coach Stefano Pioli did not use Klose in the match for tactical reasons, and the World Champion remained an unused substitute. Martin Fydek put Prague 1-0 up early on before Marco Parolo scored a deserved equaliser before half time.
Emre Can and Liverpool now hold the advantage in the Europa League round of 16. In the all-English tie with Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Manchester United, the Reds ran out 2-0 winners at Anfield and now look comfortable heading into the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday (kick-off 19:00 CET). A Daniel Sturridge penalty put the home side ahead after Memphis Depay was penalised by referee Cesar Velasco Carballo for a shirt-pull on Nathaniel Clyne. The second goal was scored by Roberto Firmino after good play from Adam Lallana.
Can was deployed in defensive midfield and showed his qualities as he put out fires across the pitch and also set up attacks. From United’s point of view, the damage was limited by goalkeeper David de Gea, who pulled of numerous top-quality saves throughout the match.
Schweinsteiger also celebrated his return to action for Manchester United. Following a two-month layoff, the World Champion entered the game with ten minutes to go. His best moment of the game was a cross to Marouane Fellaini at the far post, who narrowly missed pulling a goal back for the visitors.
Mustafi‘s Valencia defeated in torrential conditions
Shkodran Mustafi and Valencia will be concerned about their prospects of progressing to the next round. In extremely wet conditions in Bilbao, Valencia suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Basques. With torrential rain and a pitch that was in parts unplayable, Raul Garcia headed the hosts in front following a free kick by Benat, which turned out to be the winning goal.
Bilbao continued to threaten the visitors’ goal, with Aritz Aduriz and Benat both drawing saves from keeper Matthew Ryan. Rodrigo had an excellent chance to equalise for Valencia, but he failed to convert from six yards out. Mustafi remained focused throughout despite the pouring rain and was impressive.
Good position for Klose’s Lazio
Miroslav Klose and Lazio are now well-placed to qualify for the quarter finals. The Italians earnt a 1-1 draw in their first leg at Sparta Prague. Roma coach Stefano Pioli did not use Klose in the match for tactical reasons, and the World Champion remained an unused substitute. Martin Fydek put Prague 1-0 up early on before Marco Parolo scored a deserved equaliser before half time.
