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The Europa League returned on Thursday evening with 17 matches taking place across the continent, featuring heavyweight clashes involving AC Milan, Juventus, Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Sociedad.
AC Milan Stunned by Ferencvaros
Lenny Joseph scored twice in the second half as Ferencvaros stunned AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro. Joseph broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute before doubling the visitors’ advantage 14 minutes later, leaving Milan facing another European defeat. Ferencvaros were reduced to 10 men when Yusuf was sent off in the 77th minute, but the Hungarian side held on for the win.
Real Sociedad and Lyon Share the Points
Corentin Tolisso scored a superb second-half equaliser as Lyon came from behind to draw 1-1 with Real Sociedad. Orri Oskarsson had given the Spanish side the lead in the 28th minute, heading home Ander Barrenetxea’s cross from close range. However, Tolisso levelled nine minutes after the restart, controlling Tanner Tessmann’s lofted pass on his chest before volleying past Unai Marrero. Both sides had chances to win it late on, with Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif denying Mikel Oyarzabal before Marrero produced an excellent save to keep out Tolisso’s header in the 90th minute.
Juventus and Marseille Secure Away Victories
Juventus beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the Netherlands, with Teun Koopmeiners and Randal Kolo Muani both finding the net for the Italian side. The visitors established a two-goal advantage during the first half, leaving AZ with a difficult task after the interval. The Dutch side managed to pull a goal back, but Juventus held on to take all three points.
In Germany, Amine Gouiri struck late in the second half as Marseille beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 at the BayArena. The two sides went into the interval level after a goalless first half, with neither able to find a breakthrough. Gouiri eventually broke the deadlock in the closing stages to give Marseille a much-needed European win.
Celtic Edge Besiktas in Five-Goal Thriller
Camilo Duran scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner, as Celtic came from behind to beat Besiktas 3-2 in Glasgow. Junior Olaitan put the visitors ahead in the 54th minute, converting the rebound after his penalty had been saved, before substitute Callum Osmand equalised with a low strike from the edge of the box.
Duran rounded the goalkeeper to put Celtic ahead in the 79th minute, only for Orkun Kokcu to level with a superb effort from 25 yards six minutes later. However, Duran struck again with three minutes remaining to give Celtic their first win of the league phase.
Europa League Full Results
Other Thursday results across the competition saw Anderlecht defeat Salzburg 2-0, Crystal Palace draw 1-1 with Hoffenheim, and Levski Sofia edge Jagiellonia Bialystok 1-0. Lillestrom lost 0-1 to Viktoria Plzen, NEC Nijmegen beat Omonia Nicosia 3-1, and Sparta Prague fell 1-3 to Bournemouth. Benfica claimed a 3-1 victory against Lech Poznan, Celta Vigo lost 1-2 to Union Saint-Gilloise, and Hapoel Beer Sheva were beaten 0-2 by OFI Crete. Sturm Graz lost 2-3 to NK Celje, Sunderland fell 0-2 to Dinamo Zagreb, and Torreense defeated Ararat Armenia 3-2.
