News
JUE 03.11.2016
Aritz Aduriz produced a five-star performance to break his Europa League duck in style, notching all of his side's goals on a magical evening for Athletic. The match was just eight minutes old when he opened the scoring, poking the ball home following Raul Garcia's headed knock-on. The veteran striker subsequently made it 2-0 from the penalty spot on 24' and then restored this two-goal cushion with another spot-kick before the break after Leon Bailey had cut the arrears.
Just after the interval, Genk threatened to throw the cat among the pigeons when Wilfred Ndidi pulled it back to 3-2. However, the Basques responded again, continuing to dominate possession and moving 4-2 up when Aduriz struck his fourth with an accomplished first-time finish following Yeray's fine through ball.
Introducing the first man to ever score FIVE goals in a #UEL match... Aritz Aduriz! pic.twitter.com/2RwuSqyCkm
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 3, 2016
Still the visitors refused to lie down, reducing the deficit again through Tino-Sven Susic. However, the night belonged to Aduriz and he converted his third penalty of the encounter in added time to settle the contest and become the first player ever to score five times in a Europa League match.
Athletic's second win of the group stage lifts them into second in the table, well positioned to advance to the next round.
The Yellow Submarine sunk to their first European defeat of the season after coming unstuck at home to the Turkish outfit, who now top the table.
Fran Escriba's charges got off to a sluggish start and found themselves on the back foot when Pierre Webo, a player who will be extremely familiar to all Spanish football fans, broke the deadlock after eight minutes. Villarreal pushed for an equaliser, but Osmanlispor were well organised at the back and went into the break.
The hosts were handed a lifeline early in the second half when youngster Rodri's drive caromed off a defender, ballooning over the Osmanlispor keeper and into the net. The game opened up at 1-1 and became an end-to-end affair, with both teams spurning chances. However, in the 75th minute, Raul Rusescu, who had just been introduced, reacted fastest to an Andres Fernandez save and slotted home to secure the spoils for his side.
The result leaves Villarreal third in their group, level on points with second-placed FC Zurich, while Osmanlispor are sitting pretty at the summit.
Eduardo Berizzo's troops' valiant comeback attempt proved too little, too late as they slipped to their first Europa League loss of the campaign.
Ajax bossed proceedings throughout the first half, creating all the best chances, and so it was no more than they deserved when Kasper Dolberg – who proved a thorn in the side of the Celta defence – put them ahead five minutes before half-time.
Celta came out revitalised after the restart and had several opportunities to draw level, which they failed to make count. They paid the price when quick-fire efforts from Hakim Ziyech and Amin Younes made it 3-0.
With just over 10 minutes left, the Galicians gave themselves a glimmer of hope thanks to John Guidetti's assured finish. A few minutes later, fellow substitute Iago Aspas set up a grandstand finale with a stunning strike from outside the box. Ultimately, though, Berizzo's boys were unable to complete the fightback and all three points stayed in Amsterdam.
The defeat sees Celta drop down to third in Group G, albeit they only behind second-placed Standard Liège – whom they face next – on goal difference.
© LALIGA - 2016