Fernandes Seals Dramatic Win for Man United; Son Shines in Spurs Victory

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) – Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a late winner to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Europa League group stage on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min showcased his brilliance, scoring twice to lead his team to a 3-2 triumph at Hoffenheim.

Manchester United Edge Rangers in Thriller

The game at Old Trafford saw United take the lead early in the second half when Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland mishandled a Christian Eriksen corner, sending the ball into his own net.

Rangers, however, found an equalizer just minutes from the end through substitute Cyril Dessers. But in stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes stepped up to deliver a decisive strike, giving United all three points. The victory places United fourth in the standings with 15 points, setting them up for a strong finish in the group stage.

Son Shines as Spurs Hold Off Hoffenheim

In Germany, Tottenham Hotspur had a flying start, with James Maddison opening the scoring in the third minute. Captain Son Heung-min doubled Spurs’ lead in the first half, dominating the proceedings.

Hoffenheim hit back in the 68th minute with a goal from Anton Stach, but Son restored Spurs’ two-goal cushion in the 77th minute. A late goal from Hoffenheim’s David Mokwa provided a glimmer of hope for the hosts, but Spurs held firm for a 3-2 victory. Spurs now sit sixth in the standings with 14 points, firmly in contention for the knockout rounds.

Lazio March Into the Round of 16

Lazio secured their place in the Europa League Round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 home win over Real Sociedad. Mario Gila gave Lazio an early lead, and the match tilted further in their favor when Sociedad’s Aihen Munoz received a red card in the first half.

Mattia Zaccagni and Taty Castellanos extended the lead for the Italians, while Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea netted a consolation goal. Lazio remain top of the standings, underlining their dominance in the group stage.

Other Key Results

• Eintracht Frankfurt moved closer to a top-eight finish with a 2-0 win over Ferencvaros, courtesy of goals from Can Uzun and Hugo Ekitike.
• AZ Alkmaar clinched a late 1-0 win against AS Roma, thanks to Troy Parrott's decisive strike.
• Olympiacos defeated Porto 1-0 with Ayoub El Kaabi’s late goal, bolstering their playoff hopes.
• Fenerbahce and Lyon battled to an intense 0-0 draw in Istanbul, keeping the French side in a strong position to advance.
  
  

  An action-packed Europa League night saw thrilling performances from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, while Lazio confirmed their dominance by advancing to the next stage. As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the final round of matches to determine the knockout stage lineup.

  Whether it’s Fernandes’ heroics, Son’s brilliance, or Lazio’s commanding display, European football continues to deliver high-stakes drama. Stay tuned!