The Europa League Rundown: Quarter-final Match Day Reports
Manchester United vs FC
Copenhagen
Manchester United seemed
to be the favourites coming into this semi-final vs FC Copenhagen, with their first-class form, and main talisman, Bruno Fernandes, back into United’s starting eleven;
but nothing can be put past FC Copenhagen after winning their round of 16 match
up, with Jonas Wind the scorer of two of the three goals needed to beat
Istanbul 3-1 after being 1-0 down on aggregate. The first 20 minutes, of this
end to end semi-final, saw Copenhagen take control and put the United defence under cosh as they were pressing United and the Red Devils couldn’t escape. Last
ditch clearances and Mohamed Daramy rolling Eric Bailly’s lunging challenge saved
them from conceding an early goal. United started to grow into the game, and in
the 44th minute, Marcus Rashford headed the ball for United
Youngster, Mason Greenwood, to chase in behind down the right hand side, which he
did, and shoot across goal from a tight angle. He managed to find the post and
the back of the net with his shot, making it 1-0 to United. Greenwood, was in
an offside position when he was played in behind and the goal was ruled out; a real let off for the Copenhagen defence.
Early into the second half saw United score again after Greenwood fires his shot across goal,again, which deflects of the post, and into Marcus Rashford’s path who taps it into the empty goal, but again the goal was snatched of them by the officials as he was offside when he scored. The 66th minute saw Copenhagen miss a huge opportunity when Flak Dribbled down the right wing, getting the better of fullback, Brandon Williams, and squaring the ball across towards Wind, who lays it for Bryan Oviedo to strike, but full back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, got across just in time to block the shot saving United. No goal could be found by either of the teams during the remainder of the second half which took the match to added time. A good spell of attacking football from United sees them win a penalty which Bruno Fernandes fires home into the left hand corner beating the keeper, who dived the correct way. There seemed to be no way back for Copenhagen who looked tired and sluggish on the ball. United win the match 1-0 in added time taking them through to the Final where they will play the winner of quarter final 4.
Inter vs Bayer Leverkusen
Both teams
bringing out there best elevens to fight out for the semi-final spot which only
one of them can take. Inter were on top in the first 15 minutes where they find
their first goal of the night, Barella finessing the ball with the outside of
his right foot, which crept into the bottom left corner of the net; it came
about after Leverkusen struggled to deal with Lukaku’s strength which caused the
poor clearance, which Barella took advantage of. The second goal was looking imminent for Inter
after fullback, Ashley Young, drills a pass into Lukaku’s feet. From there, he holds off the defender, turns and squeezes the ball home as he
was being dragged down by defender, Edmond Tapsoba, in the 21st minute. 3 minutes later kai Havertz
plays and receives the ball with Kevin Volland, and smashes the ball through
the keeper’s legs, making it 2-1, and bringing hope to Leverkusen. No real
clear cut chances were created in the remainder of the second half for both teams.
The second half started like the end of the first, until the 77th minute. A save from Lukáš Hrádecký keeps Leverkusen in the game, some quick build up play saw Victor Moses shoot from close quarters which Hrádecký miraculously saved driving to his left hand side. The last opportunity of the game came when a penalty was given to Inter after Erikson was pulled down in the box by winger, Karim Bellarabi; but it was ruled out as the ball struck Barella’s hand springing the ball into Eriksen’s path which the penalty was later given to him for. Inter win the match 2-1, and will face the winners of quarter final 3.
Really interesting
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