Man United makes a comeback with ten men
Roma embarrasses themselves in southern Sweden, Hummels remains on the bench
October 3, 2024, 11:17 p.m
Once again, Mats Hummels does not make his debut for AS Roma: the World Cup champion from Rio watches from the bench as his new club loses in the Europa League to the small Swedish team IF Elfsborg Boras. Meanwhile, Manchester United achieves a crucial comeback after a red card.
Mats Hummels once more had to witness AS Roma’s next disappointment in the Europa League from the sidelines. The 2014 World Cup winner remained unused in the 0-1 (0-0) defeat against IF Elfsborg Boras in Sweden. Michael Baidoo from Ghana scored the only goal of the match with a controversial penalty (44th minute). With just one point from two games, Roma’s disastrous start continues.
Manchester United managed to avoid a similar fate. In the 3-3 (2-2) draw against FC Porto, the English record champions initially squandered a 2-0 lead before Harry Maguire (90+1) salvaged a point with a late equalizer. Marcus Rashford (7th) and Rasmus Höjlund (20th) had previously scored for United, while Pepe (27th) and Samu (34th/50th) turned the match around. Bruno Fernandes was shown a yellow-red card for the visitors (81st).
There are five teams at the top of the Europa League with two wins after two of the eight matchdays. Roma’s rival Lazio leads the table following a 4-1 (2-1) victory over OGC Nice. Pedro (20th), Valentin Castellanos (35th/53rd), and Mattia Zaccagni (67th, penalty) found the net for Rome, while Jeremie Boga (41st) managed to score with an assist from former German international Youssoufa Moukoko.
Chelsea wins decisively
After his contract with Borussia Dortmund ended, Hummels spent considerable time searching for a new club; his transfer to Italy was only announced in early September. Since then, the 35-year-old center-back has been an integral part of the squad but is still waiting for his first minutes on the field in his new jersey.
Top favorites Chelsea FC kicked off the Conference League with a commanding win. The former English champions, who will also face 1. FC Heidenheim in UEFA’s third European Cup competition (November 28th), triumphed 4-2 (1-0) against KAA Gent on matchday 1. Renato Veiga (12th), Pedro Neto (46th), former Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku (63rd), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (70th) scored for the Londoners, who finished sixth in the last Premier League season, falling short of their own expectations. Tsuyoshi Watanabe (50th) and Omri Gandelman (90th) scored for the Belgians.
Heidenheim’s upcoming opponent, Pafos FC from Cyprus, also started the season with a solid victory. Spanish coach Juan Carlos Carcedo’s team won 4-1 (2-1) against Petrocub Hincesti from Moldova. Pafos will host Heidenheim on matchday 2 on October 24th.
Man United comes back with ten men
Roma are embarrassing themselves in southern Sweden, Hummels is languishing on the bench
October 3, 2024, 11:17 p.m
Once again it’s nothing for Mats Hummels’ first appearance for AS Roma: the Rio world champion has to watch from the bench as his new club loses in the Europa League to the small Swedish club IF Elfsborg Boras. Meanwhile, Manchester United makes an important comeback after a red card.
Mats Hummels once again had to watch his new club AS Roma’s next setback in the Europa League from the bench. The 2014 soccer world champion was once again not used in the 0-1 (0-0) draw at IF Elfsborg Boras in Sweden. Michael Baidoo from Ghana scored the goal of the day with a hand penalty (44th). With just one point from two games, Roma’s false start is perfect.
Manchester United narrowly avoided that. In the 3-3 (2-2) draw at FC Porto, the English record champions initially lost a 2-0 lead before Harry Maguire (90+1) saved the second draw of the season. Marcus Rashford (7th) and Rasmus Höjlund (20th) had previously scored for United, Pepe (27th) and Samu (34th/50th) turned the game around. Bruno Fernandes received a yellow-red card from the visitors (81′).
Europa League Overview
As the Europa League unfolds, it is crucial to keep an eye on the standings. Currently, five clubs lead with two wins after two matchdays. Notably, Roma’s rival Lazio sits at the top after a convincing 4-1 (2-1) victory against OGC Nice. Key players like Pedro (20th), Valentin Castellanos (35th/53rd), and Mattia Zaccagni (67th) significantly contributed to Lazio’s success.
Match Summaries
Here’s a quick overview of recent matches involving Manchester United and AS Roma:
| Team | Opponent | Score | Key Players | Matchday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Roma | IF Elfsborg Boras | 0-1 | Michael Baidoo (44’) | 2 |
| Manchester United | FC Porto | 3-3 | Marcus Rashford (7’), Rasmus Höjlund (20’), Harry Maguire (90+1) | 2 |
In the case of Chelsea and their recent performance, the top favorites started their Conference League campaign with a decisive win. Chelsea FC triumphed 4-2 (1-0) over KAA Gent, scoring through Renato Veiga (12th), Pedro Neto (46th), Christopher Nkunku (63rd), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (70th). Despite previous underwhelming performances, they displayed dominance on matchday 1.
Mats Hummels’ Observations
After transitioning from Borussia Dortmund, Mats Hummels has been a familiar name on the AS Roma roster. Unfortunately, his time in Italy has thus far been less exciting, with the seasoned defender remaining unused during critical matches. The pressure for player contributions is mounting as Roma seeks to regroup in the Europa League.
Impact of Player Participation
- Confidence: Players like Hummels bring much-needed experience, which can influence younger teammates.
- Team Dynamics: Ensuring players get on the field fosters better cohesion and understanding within the team.
- Fan Engagement: Key players’ involvement often boosts match attendance and fan support.
Upcoming Matches and Predictions
As the Europa League action continues, clubs are gearing up for critical fixtures that can define their season. Here’s a look at some key upcoming matches:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AS Roma vs TBD | October 10, 2024 | Stadio Olimpico, Rome |
| Manchester United vs TBD | October 10, 2024 | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Chelsea vs 1. FC Heidenheim | November 28, 2024 | Stamford Bridge, London |
Benefits and Practical Tips for Teams in Europe
Participation in European competitions like the Europa League can provide numerous benefits, such as:
- Increased Visibility: Playing in prestigious tournaments increases team brand recognition and attracts sponsors.
- Youth Development: Providing younger players with experience in high-pressure situations can be invaluable for their growth.
- Financial Opportunities: Successful campaigns offer financial rewards that can sustain clubs in their domestic leagues.
Practical Tips
- Utilize squad depth effectively to manage player fatigue.
- Focus on set-piece strategies, which are often decisive in closely contested matches.
- Regularly assess team performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
