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Football | Europa League & Europa Conference League 2023 | Quarter-Final First Leg | Roundup

Robert Wheeler
Football

By Robert Wheeler

  • Manchester United surrendered a two-goal lead
  • West Ham United only managed to draw with Gent
  • Both ties level pegging heading into the second legs
Europe – It was not a good night for the two British sides left in the Europa League / Conference, Manchester United let a two-goal lead slip against Sevilla, whilst West Ham drew with Gent.

 

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Europa League

United surrender two-goal lead to Sevilla

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Manchester United went into this game without their star man Marcus Rashford. It was looking like they could survive without Rashford as Marcel Sabitzer scored twice to give them a comfortable advantage at halftime. However, events quickly took a turn for the worse.

Raphael Varane who made a goal-line clearance was replaced by Harry Maguire at the break. Sevilla also made an attacking substitution bringing on former Manchester City player Jesus Navas. 

The Red Devils came close to making it three but Antony‘s shot came back off the woodwork. It was looking like Eric ten Hag‘s side would see the game out but in the 84th minute, Navas’ cross was turned into his own net by Tyrell Malacia.

United’s back line then took another blow when Lisandro Martinez had to leave the field because of an injury but no one could replace him as they had made all their substitutions. Sevilla then claimed a late equaliser in added time when Youssef En-Nesyri‘s header deflected off Maguire for an own goal.

Ten Hag’s side would be very disappointed with this result at home. It leaves the Spanish side with momentum going into the return leg in Seville.

 

Europa Conference League

West Ham only manage draw in Belgium

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West Ham United are the favourites to win the Europa Conference League but they will not do it with performances like this. David Moyes‘ side was outplayed and is lucky that the tie is level going into the return leg at the London Stadium.

Gent had the better of the first half but against the run of play, Nayef Aguerd bundled the ball in from a corner. However, VAR spotted a handball by the Moroccan and the goal was chalked off. Danny Ings fired them ahead with his first European goal in added time and this time it stood.

The Belgium side kept up their pressure on the Hammers and equalised through Hugo Cuypers. Moyes’ team had chances with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio both missing good chances but it was Gent who came closest with Gift Orban hitting the crossbar.

Lucas Paqueta thought that he had got his side a late chance to snatch victory after he was brought down by Kamil Piatkowski who was shown a red card. The referee then checked the incident on the pitch side monitor and saw that the Gent player had got the ball and the sending-off was rescinded.

It is all square heading into the second leg in East London where West Ham will be confident they can progress in front of their home crowd. Although, the Hammers are still in a relegation battle in the Premier League, so cannot afford to focus solely on European competition.

The return legs for both Man United and West Ham will take place on Thursday, April 20.