Sky Sports Football Writer will analyze the action of the UEFA Europa League and Conference League on Thursday. The Spurs lost in Arizona, Manchester United draws at Real Sociedad, and the Rangers enjoy a famous victory against Fenerbafe, winning Chelsea Beat FC Copenhagen.
Where does Man Utd’s goal come from?
The Europa League has proven to be a great escape for Reuben Amorim from his domestic nightmare start as Manchester United head coach.
But one thing that he can’t get away with is the fact that he is in charge of a team that doesn’t score well enough.
Joshua Zirkzee’s goal in the draw at Real Sociedad was the second second in 2025, and would have been saved if Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro had been paying attention.
Alejandro Garnacho has no goals in 22 games, while Rasmus Hozilund has not scored in 2019, not scored this calendar year. Isn’t it the Front 3 type to guide fear into the opposition?
Amorim has to play now as he didn’t add teenage striker Chido Obi to his Europa league team in time for the knockout phase. Also, United could only name five outfielders on the Spanish bench.
And even when Hozilund was in a position to score, which had put the biggest hindrance due to United’s impressive problems, his teammate Diogo Darott handed him the opportunity to put the ball on the plate for him. He was naturally angry at the decision-making.
It’s a pity, with the amorim swimming against the tide.
United can bring confidence to the second place after a performance at Anoeta, but this inevitable reality lies in Amorim’s mind as he fights to keep the season alive.
Zinny Boswell
All that preparation – and Spurs never appeared
After losing to Manchester City last week, Ange Postecoglou has largely admitted that he prioritizes the Europa League in the Premier League after a break from Djed Spence with Dejan Kulusevki, the son of Heung-Min eight days ago.
The performance of the plot in Alkmaar would be bad enough without the knowledge it depends on the whole season.
In a way, it’s hard to be discouraged about such a limp performance, including a lonely shot on target and a barely 0.4 XG that could easily be made in the quarterfinals of the Europa League in seven days.
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Jamie O’Hara has expressed his opinion on Bergvall’s awful goal for the Spurs against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League
But this was their worst Spurs that were disappointed. Think about the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Liverpool. Probably worse.
It was summed up by a terrifying free-kick routine just before halftime. Rather than going to the finish line, James Madison played an inadequately executed one-two, completely wasting the opportunity.
The night feels exactly the same. The Spurs have never found a rhythm and have never made it. The whole point of the Ecoglou Postecoglou era was free flowing and intended to attack football.
At least they’ll be off without a fight. This is just a wet squib, but Spurs appreciates the poor finish of Az and the tie is still rescueable.
Ron Walker
Again the Rangers do their best for Europe
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Following Fennerverse’s defeat to the Europa League Rangers, Jose Mourinho was sent a long question of “sleeping” at his press conference
Barry Ferguson tweaked the formation and chose the back 5 in Istanbul. They may not have held a clean sheet, but they weren’t behind like the last two domestic matches.
They looked defensively strong, but attacks at Siriel Desser and Vajkravserny also show what they can offer when showing their best.
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Sky Sports “Gary Cotteril analyzes the Rangers’ victory over Fenerbafe in the Europa League and Fallout at a press conference
Having the Scotland Cup in Queens Park was more than a disappointment, but it means a free week to prepare for return as we try to set up a quarter-final against Rome and Athletic Bilbao.
Fenerbafe was a shame, but it was their first defeat in 19 games. There is no way to finish this tie. There’s no doubt Jose Mourinho will plan for his second game at Ibrox next week.
Vaclav Cerny scores the Rangers’ second goal with Cyriel Dessers
He has more options from the suspension from Fred, and Jack Butland has been tested several times with Rangers’ goals.
The lights under Ibrox are set to be crackers. The question is, can home fans reach behind the players rather than inspire another famous European victory?
Chelsea’s inconsistency in the game is a concern
This was a performance that put this Chelsea team together and perhaps symbolized their season.
They were very sloppy. They were partly superior.
The expected goal of 0.06 before the break was not a sign of the team’s odds-on to win this competition. It was too safe. Pass without a purpose.
Reese James was on the target of Chelsea in Copenhagen
That changed instantly when Maresca turned to the bench at halftime, bringing Levi Colwill, Christopher Nucank and fully engaged Enzo Fernandez.
Still, Chelsea, who had been cruising with the clock engraved, switched from the set piece and allowed the Danish champion to keep his tie alive.
Contradictions are a general feature of potential teams, but ups and downs over 90 minutes are a major concern for the long-term outlook under this manager.
Lewis Jones
