Andre Onana’s struggles hit a brand new low Thursday night time – and the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Just hours after former teammate Nemanja Matic labeled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history,” the Cameroon worldwide conceded two pricey targets in a dramatic 2-2 Europa League quarterfinal first-leg draw at Lyon.
Matic, now anchoring Lyon’s midfield, didn’t mince phrases in his pre-match press convention.
And when Thiago Almada’s curling free kick slipped previous Onana after 25 minutes, the Serbian’s sting lower deeper.
United pulled stage in stoppage time via Leny Yoro’s header, however the drama was removed from over.
Bruno Fernandes floated a pinpoint cross for Joshua Zirkzee to nod house what seemed like a late winner within the 88th. But Onana’s error returned to hang-out him. He spilled Georges Mikautadze’s shot, and Rayan Cherki pounced to stage issues on the dying.
“I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that,” Yoro stated. “Away, 2-1 would’ve been great. Now we have to finish the job at home.”
United stay unbeaten within the competitors, however sitting thirteenth within the Premier League, their Europa League hopes could also be their final ticket to subsequent season’s Champions League.
Spurs surprised early
In London, Tottenham’s personal European rescue mission hit turbulence however didn’t crash.
Hugo Ekitike surprised Spurs with a sixth-minute purpose for Eintracht Frankfurt after a slick counterattack.
But Pedro Porro leveled within the twenty sixth, slotting house from a James Maddison cross to safe a 1-1 draw of their Europa League first leg.
“I can’t ask any more of the lads,” stated Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. “It was disappointing to concede the way we did.”
Bodo’s blizzard blow
North of the Arctic Circle, Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt turned snowfall into silver linings.
Ulrik Saltnes struck twice in icy situations to shock Lazio 2-0 on a synthetic pitch. He opened the scoring with a low drive within the second half, then lobbed Christos Mandas for his second – confirmed after Alessio Romagnoli’s determined clearance got here too late.
The climate had put the match unsure, however Saltnes’ poise within the chilly left the Italian guests reeling.
Rangers maintain Bilbao
In Glasgow, Rangers survived greater than 75 minutes with 10 males after Robin Pröpper was despatched off within the thirteenth minute for hauling down Iñaki Williams. Despite the drawback, they held Athletic Bilbao to a 0-0 draw.
Alex Berenguer missed a late penalty for the guests, who didn’t capitalize.
Perfect Chelsea
Chelsea’s Europa Conference League type stays flawless.
After a sluggish first half, they burst to life in Warsaw, beating Legia 3-0 to remain excellent within the competitors.
Tyrique George broke the impasse along with his first purpose for the membership within the forty ninth minute, whereas Noni Madueke struck twice – together with a rebound after Christopher Nkunku’s missed penalty.
Elsewhere
In different quarterfinal first legs throughout the continent:
- Fiorentina earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory at NK Celje, with late strain from the Slovenian hosts falling simply brief.
- Real Betis took management of their tie with a composed 2-0 win over Polish aspect Jagiellonia, courtesy of second-half strikes from Willian Jose and Isco.
- Rapid Vienna edged Swedish guests Djurgarden 1-0, because of a first-half purpose from Marco Grüll and a stable defensive effort to protect the lead.
All second-leg encounters are scheduled for subsequent Thursday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com