Rasmus Hojlund emerged as the hero for Manchester United with a late brace, securing a 2-1 comeback victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Czech side took a surprise lead just three minutes into the second half when Matej Vydra stunned the visitors. United, managed by Ruben Amorim, struggled to break down Plzen’s defense until the introduction of Danish striker Hojlund.
Hojlund leveled the score in the 60th minute and clinched the winner just two minutes from time. A cleverly taken free-kick by Bruno Fernandes found the 21-year-old forward, who held off a defender before slotting home, earning United a vital three points.
The victory propels Manchester United to seventh in the league phase standings, edging them closer to an automatic round of 16 spot. A top-eight finish secures direct qualification, while finishing ninth to 24th requires a play-off tie.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 1-1 draw by Rangers in Glasgow. The result leaves both teams level on 11 points, with Rangers occupying the final automatic qualification spot due to goal difference.
Rangers struck first shortly after halftime when Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane netted his fourth European goal of the season. Captain James Tavernier delivered a pinpoint pass to set up the goal.
Spurs equalized in the 75th minute through substitute Dejan Kulusevski, who finished coolly from just inside the box after combining with Dominic Solanke. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster made a crucial save late on to preserve the draw.
In the UEFA Conference League, a rotated Chelsea side secured a 3-1 win over Astana, guaranteeing a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the round of 16. Spanish teenager Marc Guiu shone with a brace in the first 20 minutes, taking his European tally to three goals this season.
Elsewhere, Lazio topped the standings after a 3-1 victory over Ajax, while Lyon climbed to fourth place with a 3-2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Fiorentina impressed with a 7-0 thrashing of Austria’s LASK Linz, ensuring their progression to the knockout stages.
Reference(s):
Man Utd grab win at Plzen in Europa League, Spurs held by Rangers
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