Europa League: everyone wins, except the Atlético

While Stade Rennes managed a difficult victory over Évian Thonon-Gaillard, he others teams in Group I have generally known a good rehearsal before the penultimate game day of the Europa League’s group phase to be played this Wednesday. All, except Atlético Madrid.

The next opponent of the “Rouge et Noir”, Udinese played on Friday night against AS Roma. A rather lacklustre game, ending with a victory for the team from Friuli (2-0). As often, Antonio Di Natale made the difference by scoring the opener ten minutes before the end of the game, before Isla doubled Francesco Guidolin’s team lead in the closing moments of the game (89’).
On the minus side, Udinese have been hit by the injury of one of their starters in defence, Maurizio Domizzi. A decision should be taken soon regarding his possible involvement in Wednesday’s game.

- The team against AS Roma :
L’équipe face à la Roma : Handanovic - Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi (Ferronetti, 17’) - Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero - Abdi (Fabbrini, 68’), Di Natale (Pasquale, 88’).

Meanwhile, Celtic Glasgow confirmed his recent good form by thumping Saint-Mirren at Celtic Park (5-0). After a victory against Dumferline (2-1 with goals by Hooper and Forrest) in a delayed game earlier this week, the Bhoys have confirmed this success in the best of ways this Saturday. Georgios Samaras (4’) and Hooper (8’) gave an early two-goal lead to Celtic, before the latter completed a hat-trick in the second half (53’ & 57’). Youngster McGeouch (18 y/o) closed the festival with a fifth goal by the end of the game (72’).
With Rangers’ defeat against Kilmarnock this Sunday, Celtic are closing in in the standings, now only trailing their rivals by four points.

- The team against Saint-Mirren : Forster - Matthews, Majstorovic, Loovens, Ledley - Forrest (McGeouch, 64’), Kayal, Wanyama, Samaras (Bangura, 75’) - Stokes, Hooper (McCourt, 74’).

Finally, the only team of the group to lose this week-end was Atlético Madrid, who lost their derby against the Real, leaders of the Spanish Liga (1-4).
Starting instead of the injured Falcao, youngster Adrian had scored the first goal, receiving a perfect pass by Diego to beat Casillas (14’). The game took a turn nine minutes later, when Belgian goalkeeper Thibault Courtois brought Benzema down and was logically dismissed. His substitute Asenjo was beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty (23’) and exposed to the opposition’s constant attacks. After managing to keep their goal clear until half-time, the Atlético collapsed in the second half, conceding three goals by Di Maria (48’), Higuain (64’), and Cristiano Ronaldo on another penalty (81’). On that last action, Godin brought Higuain down in the area and was also dismissed, leaving his team with nine players against eleven.
After this heavy defeat, the Madrid team will try to get back on trac kat Celtic Park next Wednesday.

- The team against Real Madrid : Courtois - Perea, Godin, Dominguez, Filipe - Gabi, Assunção - Salvio (Miranda, 82’), Diego (Asenjo, 23’), Turan (Reyes, 77’) - Adrian.