AFCON 2025
On a thrilling night of UEFA Europa League action, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes dazzled with a hat-trick, Tottenham Hotspur staged a comeback against AZ Alkmaar, and Rangers held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout against Fenerbahçe.
With victories also secured by Eintracht Frankfurt, Athletic Bilbao, Lazio, Olympiacos, and Olympique Lyonnais, the stage is now set for an electrifying quarter-final showdown.
In the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second-leg matches on Thursday night, the following outcomes were recorded:
Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad (Aggregate: 5-2)
Bruno Fernandes delivered a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick to lead Manchester United to a decisive victory over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. This win secured their place in the quarter-finals.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Aggregate: 3-2)
Tottenham overturned a first-leg deficit with a 3-1 home win against AZ Alkmaar. Wilson Odobert was instrumental, scoring twice and assisting James Maddison’s goal, propelling Spurs into the next round.
Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 Ajax Amsterdam (Aggregate: 6-2)
Eintracht Frankfurt showcased their dominance with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Ajax. Mario Götze contributed two goals, leading the German side comfortably into the quarter-finals.
Athletic Bilbao 3-1 AS Roma (Aggregate: 4-3)
Athletic Bilbao mounted a successful comeback at San Mamés, overturning a first-leg deficit to defeat AS Roma. Nico Williams scored twice, and Yuri Berchiche added another, ensuring their progression to the next stage.
Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzeň (Aggregate: 3-2)
Lazio advanced to the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw against Viktoria Plzeň. Alessio Romagnoli’s 77th-minute header canceled out Plzeň’s earlier goal, securing the Italian side’s progression.
Olympiacos 2-1 Bodø/Glimt (Aggregate: 2-4)
Despite Olympiacos securing a 2-1 home win, Bodø/Glimt advanced on aggregate, having built a substantial lead in the first leg.
Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahçe (Aggregate: 3-3; Rangers win 3-2 on penalties)
Rangers endured a tense evening at Ibrox, as Fenerbahçe overturned the first-leg deficit to level the aggregate score. The Scottish side ultimately triumphed 3-2 in the penalty shootout to secure their quarter-final spot.
Olympique Lyonnais 4–0 Steaua Bucharest (Aggregate 7–1)
Olympique Lyonnais advanced to the quarter-finals, overcoming Steaua Bucharest with a 7–1 aggregate score.
