New this year, the round of 16 of the Europa League are replaced by play-offs between the Champions League reverses and the teams qualified in second position in their group in the Europa League. A success in terms of spectacle with high standing posters and many goals.
FC Barcelona, the real attraction of this competition in this difficult season, failed to beat Naples (1-1). For its part, Dortmund completely sank against Glasgow Rangers (4-2). Betis Sevilla won against Zénith Saint-Petersburg (3-2), and Sheriff Tiraspol defeated Braga (2-0).
Barcelona remain at the dock against Napoli
Absent from the final stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2004, the Barcelonans conceded a draw against Naples (1-1) in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs. The Blaugranas ran after the score for a long time, because it was the Italians who opened the scoring thanks to Piotr Zielinski in two stages after a good save from Marc-André Ter Stegen (1-0, 29th).
Full Time #BarçaNapoli pic.twitter.com/Atqk0XktVI
—FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 17, 2022
But Xavi’s players regained control of the ball and dominance in the second half. A goal from the penalty spot by Ferran Torres after a contentious hand fault by Juan Jesus in the area allowed the Blaugranas to equalize (1-1, 59th). Ousmane Dembélé, absent since the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, made a good start, despite a few whistles from Camp Nou.
First goal for Martial with Sevilla
Sevilla FC returned to their favorite competition against Dinamo Zagreb. In the lead from the twelfth minute and a penalty from Ivan Rakitic, the players of Julen Lopetegui saw the Croats return thanks to Mislav Orsic (1-1, 41st). An equalizer that woke up the Sevillians, authors of two goals in quick succession before returning to the locker room (3-1, 45th + 1). Anthony Martial, new recruit on the banks of the Guadalquivir took the opportunity to score his first goal in the jersey of the six-time winner of the competition.
ANTHONY #WeareSevilla #NuncaTeRindas #UEL pic.twitter.com/p9uLqA20mJ
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) February 17, 2022
Earlier in the evening, their neighbors Betis had also taken an option on qualification against Zénith Saint-Petersburg. With five goals in the first act, the match was explosive for 45 minutes. Quickly in front (2-0, 18th), the Andalusians saw the Russians return in three minutes thanks to the achievements of Artem Dzyuba then Malcom (2-2, 28th). Just before the break, the Mexican Andrés Guardado put Betis in front of the scoreboard (3-2, 41st), which did not move thereafter.
Dortmund sinks against Rangers
It’s the surprise of the evening. The Germans, deprived of the injured Erling Haaland, lost heavily (4-2) against Rangers and are on unfavorable waivers before the return match. After getting several chances including a header from Dan-Axel Zagadou who lacked power, Dortmund dived at the end of the first period.
The French defender, author of a rough hand, offered a penalty to James Tavernier (1-0, 38th), before Morelos worsened the gap, a few minutes later, on a corner after a deviation from Aribo at the first post (2-0, 41st).
Rangers flying in Dortmund!
⚽️ Tavern
⚽️ Morelos #UEL pic.twitter.com/VdO6h9oBRg— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 17, 2022
Returning from the locker room, the Scots further swelled their lead thanks to a superb strike from John Lundstram from the surface (3-0, 49th). Two minutes later, Bellingham answered him with an almost identical goal to revive Dortmund (3-1, 51st). A hope showered by Morelos who saw his shot deflected by Zagadou and finish in the back of the net (4-1, 55th). Guerreiro’s goal at the end of the match (4-2, 82nd) allows Marco Rose’s players to hope to overthrow the Scots and obtain qualification. The Rangers will want to confirm this good performance next week.
Leipzig and Real Sociedad neutralize each other
Manchester City faller for its last match of the Champions League group stage, Leipzig stuck at home against Real Sociedad, in a match where the French shone. Robin Le Normand opened the scoring for the San Sebastian team (1-0, 8th) before the inevitable Christopher Nkunku equalized for the Germans (1-1, 30th).
Christopher Nkunku in UEFA club competition this season =
7⃣
⚽️8⃣
️2⃣#UEL pic.twitter.com/e5m8zBszHH— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 17, 2022
The second period was settled with two penalties. First for Real Sociedad after a handball from Josko Gvardiol. Mikel Oyarzabal took charge of putting his own in front (2-1, 64th). Emil Forsberg answered him following a foul from Zaldua (82nd). The Germans even thought they would win, but André Silva’s goal was disallowed for offside. The two teams will meet next week in the Basque Country to find out who from Real Sociedad or RB Leipzig will reach the knockout stages.
Other results
In Porto, Lazio Rome, without Ciro Immobile, ill, lost to the men of Sergio Conceicao, still undefeated for thirteen games. The Italians had however opened the scoring through Mattia Zaccagni (1-0, 23rd). But a double from Toni Martinez allowed the Portuguese to overturn the match and place themselves well before the return (2-1, 49th).
Sheriff Tiraspol, surprise winner of Real Madrid dominated Braga (2-0) thanks to goals from Sébastien Thill and Adama Traoré. Finally, Atalanta Bergamo ended up dominating Olympiakos after being led for three quarters of an hour (2-1). Albanian defender Berat Djimsiti scored twice from a corner in two minutes to allow his side to win and arrive more quietly before the second leg.