Just one team emerged victorious in the first legs of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, heightening the anticipation for the return matches. Here’s an intriguing statistic for each of the eight competing clubs after Thursday’s captivating encounters.
4 – It was a stunning showcase in the Arctic Circle, where Bodo/Glimt shocked the group stage winners Lazio with a 2-0 win. The Norwegians are now just 90 minutes away from reaching their first-ever continental semi-final.
They seem to thrive against Italian clubs on their turf, having secured victory in their last four home fixtures against Serie A teams. The only side to have defeated them there was Sampdoria during the 1978/79 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
2 – Lazio’s trip to Norway was less than satisfactory, as they struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. They should consider themselves fortunate to only be trailing 2-0 heading into the second leg next week.
The Biancocelesti had been enjoying a commendable European campaign prior to this setback. For context, Thursday marked the first time this season that Lazio conceded two or more goals in a continental clash.
3 – Rangers demonstrated remarkable resilience, even after being reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute, managing to keep Athletic Club at bay. Given the circumstances, the Scottish side will undoubtedly take heart from this result.
Rangers have established themselves as a formidable presence at home in Europe, particularly against LaLiga teams. This match extended their streak to three consecutive clean sheets at Ibrox against Spanish clubs, with the last prior draw against Valencia in the Champions League group stage back in 2010.
20 – Athletic Club controlled possession and crafted more than enough opportunities to score but will depart without a win. With this year’s Europa League final set to be held at San Mames—where Bilbao play their home games—they are eager to qualify.
Interestingly, this was the first goalless draw for Athletic Club in 20 matches across European competitions, with their previous such occurrence in 2017 against Hertha Berlin at the opening of the UEL group stage.
19 – Tottenham secured a 1-1 draw at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, keeping alive their hopes of reaching a first semi-final in the current format of the Europa League.
Spurs are currently unbeaten at home in Europe over their last 19 matches, not counting a forfeited defeat in the UEFA Conference League nearly three and a half years ago. The last team to beat them at home in the Champions League was RB Leipzig five years ago.
10 – Eintracht Frankfurt are well-versed in maintaining unbeaten streaks, especially in the Europa League. Competing in the tournament for the first time since their triumph in 2021/22, Die Adler have been enjoying another commendable run.
Hoping to reach the semi-finals for the third time in their last four attempts, Frankfurt have not lost a knockout round match in the UEL over their last 10 appearances (6-4-0). Interestingly, all four of those draws have ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
5 – Olympique Lyon’s clash with Manchester United ended in dramatic fashion, with Rayan Cherki scoring the equaliser with the last kick of the match, setting the stage for an intriguing return leg in Manchester next week.
However, Lyon remain winless in five encounters against United historically, with Thursday’s result marking their third draw against the Red Devils, all of which have taken place in France.
11 – Manchester United are counting on the Europa League to salvage their disappointing domestic season. Despite letting a late lead slip, the 2016/17 champions are still well-positioned to reach their first continental semi-final in four years.
United remain unbeaten across 11 UEL matches this season, a feat they last accomplished when they lifted the trophy back in 2016/17.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
