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Manchester United Defeats Rangers and Boosts Europa League Hopes

Manchester United, recovering from their struggles, managed a crucial 2-1 victory over Rangers in the seventh round of the Europa League. This win came amidst sharp criticism from their Portuguese manager, Rúben Amorim, who previously labeled them as the “worst team in the club’s history.”

The match’s turning point came in the 52nd minute when a blunder from former United goalkeeper Jack Butland led to an own goal, putting United ahead. Rangers equalized in the 88th minute through Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers, seemingly heading the game toward a draw. However, Bruno Fernandes stepped up in the 92nd minute to score a dramatic winner, boosting United’s Europa League ambitions.

Manchester United entered the match following a demoralizing 3-1 home defeat against Brighton in the Premier League, a result that drew sharp criticism from their new coach, Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese manager has endured a tough start, overseeing his team’s sixth loss in 11 Premier League matches since replacing Dutchman Erik ten Hag.

In contrast to their domestic woes, United has shown a stronger presence on the European stage. They currently sit fourth in the Europa League standings with 15 points, edging closer to securing direct qualification to the Round of 16.

Lazio Tops Group

Lazio continued their dominant group-stage campaign, sealing direct qualification to the Round of 16 with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

The Italian side started strong, ending the first half 3-0 ahead with goals from Mario Gila (5′), Mattia Zaccagni (32′), and Valentín Castellanos (34′), taking full advantage of Aihen Muñoz’s red card in the 30th minute.

Real Sociedad managed a consolation goal through Ander Barrenetxea (83′), but Lazio climbed to 19 points, capitalizing on Athletic Bilbao’s 4-1 defeat to Beşiktaş, which dropped Bilbao to third position with 16 points.

Real Sociedad remains stuck in 18th place with 10 points.

Just hours after confirming the transfer of their star player Omar Marmoush to Manchester City, Eintracht Frankfurt maintained their momentum with a 2-0 victory over Hungarian side Ferencváros.

The win propelled Frankfurt to second place in the standings with 16 points, edging ahead of Athletic Bilbao on goal difference. The German side’s triumph came courtesy of goals from Turkish forward Cenk Özon (49′) and French striker Hugo Ekitike (59′).

Tottenham Hotspur bolstered their chances of direct qualification with a hard-fought 3-2 victory away to German side Hoffenheim, increasing their tally to 14 points and climbing to sixth place in the standings.

With their main striker Dominic Solanke sidelined due to injury, Tottenham’s Australian manager Ange Postecoglou opted to field Brazilian forward Richarlison, supported by South Korean star Heung-Min Son and Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski in attack.

Tottenham Hotspur made an ideal start to their away match against Hoffenheim when Spanish full-back Pedro Porro advanced down the right and delivered a perfect pass to James Maddison, who fired the ball into the net just 3 minutes into the game.

Tottenham continued their dominance, and their pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Maddison set up Son Heung-min, who struck with his left foot. The ball deflected off a Hoffenheim defender, finding its way into the net to give Spurs a 2-0 lead.

Hoffenheim sought to mount a comeback in the second half, with Croatian forward Andrej Kramaric nearly reducing the deficit with a header that hit the crossbar in the 53rd minute.

The hosts eventually managed to pull one back when Anton Stach scored from a quick counter-attack in the 68th minute.

However, Tottenham extinguished Hoffenheim’s hopes with a third goal from Son Heung-min in the 77th minute.

Hoffenheim narrowed the gap again when David Mokfa netted their second goal just two minutes before the end, creating a tense finish for Tottenham supporters. But Spurs held firm to secure all three points.

In other notable Europa League matches, Anderlecht missed the chance to top their group, suffering a 2-0 loss to Czech side Viktoria Plzen. Porto lost 1-0 at home to Olympiacos, Roma were beaten 1-0 by AZ Alkmaar, and Nice fell to Elfsborg 1-0. Meanwhile, the match between Turkish side Fenerbahçe and French Lyon ended in a goalless draw.

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