The Europa League playoff first legs on February 13th delivered fireworks, surprises, and edge-of-the-seat moments. From Mourinho’s masterclass to last-minute penalties, here’s a rundown of all the action and reactions from football’s biggest voices.
1. Porto 1-1 Roma: Giallorossi Hold Firm in Portugal
A tense battle in Porto saw Roma snatch a crucial away draw. Zeki Celik opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a scrappy finish, but Lucas Moura leveled for Porto after a deflected strike. Roma’s Bryan Cristante saw red late on, leaving the Italians to defend desperately. **Key Moment**: Cristante’s red card at 73' tested Roma’s resilience, but they held on . **Reaction**: Ex-Italy defender Beppe Bergomi praised Roma’s grit: *“Ranieri’s men showed character. That away goal could be decisive in the return leg.”* .
2. Fenerbahçe 3-0 Anderlecht: Mourinho’s Men Dominate
José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe cruised to a commanding win, with goals from Tadic, Dzeko, and En-Nesyri. Anderlecht barely threatened, and the Turkish side now look set for the next round. **Key Moment**: Dzeko’s header before halftime killed Anderlecht’s hopes . **Reaction**: Journalist Fabio Belli called it *“a vintage Mourinho performance—efficient, ruthless, and perfectly executed”* .
3. AZ Alkmaar 4-1 Galatasaray: Turkish Giants Humiliated
Galatasaray’s European dreams took a hit as AZ Alkmaar ran riot. Despite Sallai’s equalizer, the Dutch side scored three unanswered goals, including a Parrott penalty, leaving Gala needing a miracle in Istanbul. **Key Moment**: Kaan Ayhan’s red card at 51' turned the tide for AZ . **Reaction**: Ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright tweeted: *“Galatasaray collapsed. This is a disaster for Turkish football.”*
4. Union SG 0-2 Ajax: Teen Star Shines
Ajax ground out a win in Belgium, with 16-year-old Mokio sealing the deal. Union SG fought hard but couldn’t break Ajax’s defense. **Key Moment**: Mokio’s 71st-minute goal, making him the youngest scorer in Ajax’s Europa League history . **Reaction**: Dutch legend Marco van Basten said: *“Mokio’s composure? Unreal for his age. Remember the name!”*
5. Midtjylland 1-2 Real Sociedad: Basque Side Edge Danish Fight
Mendez (penalty) and Kubo fired Sociedad to a first-half lead, but Midtjylland’s Buksa kept it tense. The Spaniards held on for a narrow advantage. **Key Moment**: Kubo’s silky finish at 31' showcased his rising star power . **Reaction**: Spanish journalist Guillem Balague noted: *“Sociedad’s midfield control was key. Kubo is becoming unstoppable.”*
6. Ferencváros 1-0 Plzen: Abu Fani’s Strike Seals It
A tight game in Hungary was decided by Abu Fani’s early goal. Plzen pushed hard but couldn’t find an equalizer. **Key Moment**: Abu Fani’s 23rd-minute strike split the teams . **Reaction**: Ex-Hungary captain Pál Dárdai: *“Ferencváros defended like lions. This win sets up a thrilling second leg.”*
7. PAOK 1-2 FCSB: Romanian Comeback Stuns Greeks
PAOK led early through Samatta, but FCSB flipped the script with goals from Gheorghita and Dawa. Taison’s red card for PAOK compounded their misery. **Key Moment**: Dawa’s 60th-minute winner silenced the home crowd . **Reaction**: Romanian journalist Emanuel Rosu: *“FCSB showed heart. This is why we love European nights!”*
8. Twente 2-1 Bodo/Glimt: Van Wolfswinkel’s Last-Gasp Penalty
Twente thought they’d thrown it away when Berg equalized at 85', but Van Wolfswinkel’s 95th-minute penalty sparked wild celebrations. **Key Moment**: The veteran’s ice-cool penalty under pressure . **Reaction**: Ex-Twente star Wout Brama: *“Van Wolfswinkel’s experience won it. What a moment!”*
What’s Next?
The return legs on February 20th promise even more drama. Can Roma finish the job at home? Will Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe cruise through? Stay tuned for more Europa League magic!
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