Man United, Spurs Secure Spots in Europa League Last 16

Manchester United and Tottenham have advanced to the Europa League last-16 stage after securing crucial victories. 

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur overcame their domestic challenges to secure spots in the last 16 of the Europa League.

United clinched a 2-0 win against Romania’s FCSB, and Tottenham smoothly defeated Sweden’s Elfsborg with a 3-0 victory in Thursday’s matches.

Despite a scoreless first half, Ruben Amorim’s United took the lead in the 60th minute when Diogo Dalot scored from close range at the far post shortly after Alejandro Garnacho hit the post. Kobbie Mainoo secured their victory with another goal in the 68th minute.

Tottenham fans had to hold off their celebrations until after halftime. The substitutions made by Ange Postecoglou played a key role, with Dane Scarlett scoring the first goal in the 70th minute and then setting up Damola Ajayi for another in the 84th. Mikey Moore rounded off the victory with a final score of 3-0.

United remained undefeated during the group stage, securing third place behind Italy’s Lazio and Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, with Spurs trailing them.

Lazio had already clinched their spot in the last 16 prior to Thursday’s matches, allowing them to withstand a narrow 1-0 defeat against Portugal’s Braga. Despite Ricardo Horta scoring an early goal for Braga, they were eliminated from the competition.

Teams such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympique Lyon, Olympiacos, and Rangers have advanced without needing an extra play-off tie.

Frankfurt, the 2022 champions, were defeated 2-0 by Roma. Angelina’s volley and a goal from Eldor Shomurodov secured a play-off spot for the Italian team.

Anderlecht from Belgium faced a 4-3 defeat at home against Hoffenheim, pushing them into the play-offs. Meanwhile, though victorious, the German team was unable to avoid elimination as their win came too late.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce secured the last play-off position by narrowly surpassing Braga on goal difference following a 2-2 draw against Denmark’s Midtjylland. Edin Dzeko provided an assist for Youssef En-Nesyri to open the scoring, before finding the net himself.

Ajax secured a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray, with both teams advancing to the play-offs. Porto also moved forward after defeating Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0, and Twente advanced by narrowly beating Besiktas with a score of 1-0.

The play-off draw is scheduled for Friday, and the matches will take place on February 13 and 20.