United won its second game in three Group E games, falling three points behind Real Sociedad, who won 2-0 at Sheriff Tiraspol. Sociedad can earn up to nine points.
Manchester United overcame an early deficit to beat Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in the Europa League on Thursday, kicking off the recovery process after a humiliating Premier League derby loss.
Seeking solace in Cyprus after a 6-3 loss at Manchester City on Sunday, United fell behind in the 34th minute to a counterattack goal by Iran striker Karim Ansarifard.
United won thanks to second-half substitutions. Marcus Rashford equalised in the 53rd minute with a curling shot from just inside the area, followed by a deft flick to fellow substitute Anthony Martial, who cut inside and shot low inside the near post in the 63rd.
“I think the subs had a big impact today, which is great.” “Erik ten Hag, United manager, stated. “That strengthens the team.”
Cristiano Ronaldo made a rare start for Manchester United, hitting the post from close range before driving in a cross that Rashford converted in the 84th minute for his second goal.
Omonia’s Nikolas Panagiotou responded a minute later, ensuring a tense finish.
United won its second game in three Group E games, falling three points behind Real Sociedad, who won 2-0 at Sheriff Tiraspol. Sociedad can earn up to nine points.
Ansarifard’s goal was met with a quiet celebration. This appeared to be in line with silent protests by Iranian players at a recent World Cup warmup game in Austria, following weeks of demonstrations and a violent crackdown by state authorities back home in Iran in the aftermath of the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, in the custody of the morality police. She was arrested for allegedly wearing a mandatory headscarf too loosely.
Arsenal won their second game in a row, beating Norwegian team Bod/Glimt 3-0 at home after a dominant first half that saw Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding score. The third goal was set up by substitute Gabriel Jesus, who danced his way through defenders along the byline before feeding Fabio Vieira for a simple finish in the 85th minute. Arsenal’s previous game against PSV Eindhoven was postponed due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death, but the London club still leads Group A with six points. Eindhoven is second after a 5-1 victory in Zurich.
BERLIN FIREWORKS
The game between Union Berlin and Malmo in Sweden was called off for about 30 minutes in the second half after Berlin fans set off multiple fireworks on the field. Despite having a player sent off just before halftime, Berlin won 1-0, with Sheraldo Becker scoring the game-winning goal in the 68th minute.
Roma’s inconsistency continued after Jose Mourinho’s team blew a 2-1 lead at home against Real Betis. For the Spanish team, Luiz Henrique scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute, while Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo was sent off in injury time. Roma’s second defeat of the season left the team in sixth place in Serie A.
Sturm Graz of Austria held Lazio to a 0-0 draw in Group F, while Monaco and Red Star Belgrade won their games in Group H.
CONFERENCE LEAGUE OF EUROPE
West Ham United won its third consecutive group match, defeating Anderlecht 1-0 in a rematch of the 1976 final of the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.
Gianluca Scamacca of Italy scored the game-winning goal in the 79th minute.
The only other teams with a perfect record are AZ Alkmaar and Villarreal. Villarreal defeated Austria Vienna 5-0 thanks to a hat trick from substitute Jose Luis Morales, while Alkmaar defeated Apollon Limasol 3-2 thanks to a late winner from Jesper Karlsson.
