The good, bad and barely acceptable
It might not be a competition that gets everybody excited, however the Europa League threw up plenty of talking points last night. We identify the teams deserving a pat on the back, a kick up the backside and those who fall somewhere between the two...
THE GOOD
Sevilla
It was a dream debut for new coach Gregorio Manzano, who guided Real Mallorca to a fantastic fifth-place finish last season, as he guided the Rojiblancos to a 1-0 win in Germany, denying Borussia Dortmund an eighth successive victory. Sevilla are consequently now [2.24] to win Group J.
PSV
There have been games recently where the Dutch giants have paid for not taking their chances, such as the 1-1 home draw with Sampdoria in their Group I opener. Therefore, a 2-0 triumph in Ukraine against Metalist was an improvement and leaves them top of the table - and [2.22] to stay there.
THE BAD
Red Bull Salzburg
Having got through the group stage last season with a 100 per cent win record, there's a danger that the Austrian champions will bow out this time with six losses, after a 2-0 defeat away to expected Group A whipping boys yet surprise leaders Lech Poznan. Salzburg are [6.0] to progress to the last 32.
Atletico Madrid
A draw at home to in-form Bayer Leverkusen isn't a disastrous result but it's not much use to Atletico Madrid after opening their Europa League defence with a loss to Aris. The Spanish capital club are currently bottom of Group B, however they can still be backed at [19.5] to retain the trophy.
THE BARELY ACCEPTABLE
Liverpool
A point away to FC Utrecht will probably ultimately be looked back on as a decent enough result for Liverpool, especially with Napoli continuing to struggle to make an impression in Group K. It extended their winless run to four matches though, while Fernando Torres was again disappointing.
Napoli
A first defeat on the road of the campaign beckoned as they stunningly trailed Steaua Bucharest 3-0 after 16 minutes but Pantelis Kapetanos' sending off gave them an hour against ten men and they just about made it count, with goal machine Edinson Cavani netting a last-gasp equaliser. They head into a double header with Liverpool on only two points but are an intriguing [1.55] lay to not qualify.
Disagree with our conclusions? Then shout us down in the box below...
Published: 1 Oct 2010
Leave a comment