The first nine matches of Europa League Matchday 7 were played, and the opening part of the round already made the standings much clearer. Some teams settled direct qualification to the Round of 16, while several others nearly took a decisive step toward a playoff spot.
In the headline games, Aston Villa and Lyon got the job done
One of the night’s most eye-catching clashes took place in Istanbul. Aston Villa edged Fenerbahce away to move to 18 points and cement second place. The only goal was scored by Sancho in the 25th minute.
- Fenerbahce — Aston Villa 0:1
Goal: Sancho (25).
In Switzerland, Lyon beat Young Boys, kept top spot with 18 points and secured a direct ticket to the Round of 16. Maitland-Niles struck the decisive blow in the 45+1st minute.
- Young Boys — Lyon 0:1
Goal: Maitland-Niles (45+1).
Freiburg and Midtjylland almost “locked in” a playoff place
Another key result of the round came in Germany: Freiburg beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv and stayed third on 17 points. Matanovic decided the match in the 82nd minute.
- Freiburg — Maccabi Tel-Aviv 1:0
Goal: Matanovic (82).
In Scandinavia, Brann vs Midtjylland delivered real drama as the teams drew 3:3. Multiple penalties, a late goal and relentless tempo made it a treat for fans. After the draw, Midtjylland remained fourth with 16 points and all but opened the road to the playoffs.
- Brann — Midtjylland 3:3
Goals: Holm (19), Kornvig (68, pen.), Soltved (90+10, pen.) — Erlich (4, 70), Brumado (31).
Talking points: Betis stumble and Porto escape
There were surprises during the round as well. For instance, Betis lost 0:2 away to PAOK. Zivkovic opened the scoring in the 67th minute, and Giakoumakis sealed it from the spot in the 87th.
- PAOK — Betis 2:0
Goals: Zivkovic (67), Giakoumakis (87, pen.).
Another intriguing match was Viktoria Plzen vs Porto. Despite an early home goal, Porto avoided defeat thanks to Gul’s 90th-minute strike. The Portuguese also missed a penalty at 45+5, while the hosts—down to ten after Vidra’s red card at 45+4—couldn’t withstand the late pressure.
- Viktoria Plzen — Porto 1:1
Goals: Cherv (6) — Gul (90).
Missed penalty: Samu (45+5, Porto).
Red card: Vidra (45+4, Viktoria).
Feyenoord reminded everyone with a big win
One of the round’s biggest scorelines belonged to Feyenoord. They beat Sturm 3:0, with goals from Watanabe (5), Haj Musa (69) and Borges (90).
- Feyenoord — Sturm 3:0
Goals: Watanabe (5), Haj Musa (69), Borges (90).
Results of the remaining Europa League Matchday 7 games
Europa League. Matchday 7. 22 January
- Bologna — Celtic 2:2
Goals: Dallinga (58), Rowe (72) — Hatate (6), Trasti (40).
Red card: Hatate (34, Celtic).
- Malmo — Crvena Zvezda 0:1
Goal: Kostov (16).
Europa League standings after Matchday 7
