The decisive round of matches for the Europa League's 1/8 finals has concluded. The return matches once again presented the fans with the true thrill, fierce struggle, and intrigue of football. Some teams achieved their goal with a minimal victory, while others earned tickets to the next stage through dramatic scenarios. Most importantly, this stage once again demonstrated how strong the competition is at this prestigious European competition.
One of the meetings, which is in the center of special attention, took place in England. Nottingham Forest hosted Turkish club Fenerbahçe at their home ground. Although the hosts lost 1-2 this time, they managed to advance to the next stage based on the results of two matches thanks to a large 3-0 advantage won in the first game. Hudson-Odoi scored Nottingham Forest's only goal in the 68th minute. For Fenerbahçe, Akturko'g'li opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and brought victory to his team with another accurate penalty kick in the 48th minute. However, the Turkish club's victory was not enough to change the overall score. As a result, the English team opened the door to the next stage, albeit with difficulty.
Europa League. Round of 16
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Nottingham Forest - Fenerbahçe 1:2
Goals: Hudson-Odoi (68) - Akturko'g'li (22, 48 pen).
First match - 3:0.
In Italy, Bologna also performed its duties coldly. The hosts secured a 1-0 victory against Norway's Brann. The match, which took place in a tense and uncompromising atmosphere from the third minute, put the visitors in an even worse position after Serensen was sent off in the 37th minute. With a numerical advantage, Bologna kept increasing pressure, and finally, a goal scored by João Mário in the 56th minute decided the match. Notably, the Italians won the first match with a score of 1:0. Thus, Bologna secured a place in the quarter-finals after two matches.
Europa League. Round of 16
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Bologna - Brann 1:0
Goal: João Mário (56).
Red card: Sørensen (37, Brann).
First match - 1:0.
In Spain, Celta has shared another piece of good news with its fans. In the match against PAOK, the hosts won with a score of 1:0. Throughout the game, both teams were cautious but tried to find opportunities. The only goal that decided the match was scored by Svedberg in the 63rd minute. After winning 2-1 in the first match, Celta again maintained their dominance and qualified for the next stage based on the results of two matches. The Spanish club achieved its goal without taking excessive risks, but without losing faith.
Europa League. Round of 16
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Celta - PAOK 1:0
Goal: Svedberg (63).
First match - 2:1.
The most intense, dramatic, and memorable clashes were observed in Belgium. The match between Genk and Dinamo Zagreb turned into a real football spectacle. The long match, including regular time and extra time, ended with a score of 3:3. It rained down on goals, there were sharp turns, and even a red card was recorded. For Genk, Sor scored in the 51st minute, Dzyunya in the 101st minute, and Heimans in the 114th minute, while for Dinamo Zagreb, Bakrar scored in the 45+2nd minute, and Stoykovich scored from a penalty in the 57th minute and in the 75th minute. However, Stojković's removal from the field in the 103rd minute was a serious blow for the Croatian club. Taking advantage of this situation, Genk secured the necessary result in extra time. The 3-1 victory in the first match also greatly helped the Belgians. Thus, "Genk" advanced to the next stage thanks to a lively struggle, character, and perseverance.
Europa League. Round of 16
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Genk - Dinamo Zagreb 3:3
Goals: Sor (51), Dzyunya (101), Heimans (114) - Bakrar (45+2), Stoykovich (57 penalties, 75).
Red card: Stoykovich (103, Dinamo Z).
First match - 3:1.
In short, this stage of the Europa League, as expected, presented fans with a scene full of rich emotions, fierce competition, and struggles. "Nottingham Forest," "Bologna," "Celta," and "Genk" advanced to the 1/8 finals with their performance, patience, and result. Now one of the most interesting periods is ahead - the quarter-finals. The challenges these teams face in the next stage are already causing fan interest.
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