UEFA Europa League Cup
UEFA Europa League Cup | (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

Football | Europa League & Europa Conference League | Matchday 2 Roundup

By Robert Wheeler

  • Manchester United beat Sheriff Tiraspol
  • West Ham edges out Silkeborg
  • Heart of Midlothian claims important win

Europe – In the Europa League, Manchester United defeated Sheriff Tiraspol. Arsenal’s match against PSV Eindhoven was postponed due to policing limitations. West Ham and Hearts were also victorious in the Europa Conference League to complete a perfect night for the British sides.

 

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Europa League

Manchester United show Sheriff who is boss

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Manchester United put their defeat to Real Sociedad in their opening Europa League game behind them to see off Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0. Jadon Sancho who learned today that he was not in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches responded brilliantly with a delicate finish into the bottom corner to give United the lead.

Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the victory from the penalty spot which was his 699th club career goal. It was an important goal for Ronaldo as it was also his first goal this season and with Marcus Rashford out injured the Portuguese star stepped up to the plate.

We know Sheriff are no pushovers as they beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last season but Eric ten Hag‘s side outclassed them tonight.

The Red Devils’ next match in the competition is against Cypriot side AC Omonia on 6 September. Omonia is at the bottom of the group having lost both their games so far.

 

Europa Conference League

West Ham edge past Silkeborg

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West Ham United avoided an upset as they held on to defeat Silkeborg 3-2 in Denmark. There is the excuse of the Hammers not being used to the plastic pitch and they fell behind early on when Kasper Kusk found the back of the net.

Manuel Lanzini levelled the score from the penalty spot. Gianluca Scamacca then scored a great goal from outside the box. Nicklas Helenius thought he had equalised for the Danes but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Alphonse Areola, with no VAR in the competition, the referee’s decision stood.

Craig Dawson headed in from an Aaron Cresswell corner to put David Moyes‘ side in control. However, Soren Tengstedt’s goal in the 75th minute produced a nervy finish to the match but the visitors held on to claim back-to-back victories in the competition and they remain top of Group B.

The East London club’s next European game is away to Anderlecht on 6 October where they will be looking to extend their perfect start.

 

Heart of Midlothian claim first win

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Hearts responded to losing 4-0 to İstanbul Başakşehir last time out by defeating Rīgas Futbola Skola of Latvia 2-0.

Lawrence Shankland put the Scottish side ahead just before halftime with as he fired his penalty into the top corner. The three points were secured in the 93rd minute when Alan Forrest finished off from a counter-attack when RFS were piling the pressure on the Jam Tarts.

It was a much-needed win for Hearts who had lost their last three games in all competitions. Robbie Neilson‘s side is up against Fiorentina at home in their next game which will be a tough match for them at Tynecastle Park.

 

The Europa League and Europa Conference League returns on October.