Man United, Tottenham secure Europa League last-16 spots

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur put their domestic struggles aside to book their places in the Europa League last 16.

United secured a 2-0 victory over Romania’s FCSB, while Tottenham eased past Sweden’s Elfsborg with a 3-0 win in Thursday’s fixtures.

Despite a goalless first half, Ruben Amorim’s United broke the deadlock in the 60th minute when Diogo Dalot slotted home at the far post, moments after Alejandro Garnacho’s effort struck the post. Kobbie Mainoo sealed the win in the 68th minute.

Tottenham fans also had to wait until after the break to celebrate. Ange Postecoglou’s substitutions proved crucial, as Dane Scarlett opened the scoring in the 70th minute before assisting Damola Ajayi in the 84th. Mikey Moore completed the 3-0 triumph.

United remained unbeaten in the group stage, finishing third behind Italy’s Lazio and Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, with Spurs following behind.

Lazio had already secured their last-16 berth before Thursday’s matches and could afford a 1-0 loss to Portugal’s Braga. However, Braga was eliminated despite Ricardo Horta’s early goal.

Other teams advancing without an extra play-off tie include Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympique Lyon, Olympiacos, and Rangers.

The 2022 champions, Frankfurt, fell 2-0 to Roma, with Angelina’s volley and Eldor Shomurodov’s goal securing a play-off spot for the Italian side.

Belgium’s Anderlecht suffered a 4-3 defeat at home to Hoffenheim, forcing them into the play-offs, while the German club’s victory came too late to avoid elimination.

Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce clinched the final play-off spot, edging out Braga on goal difference after a 2-2 draw with Denmark’s Midtjylland. Edin Dzeko assisted Youssef En-Nesyri for the opener before scoring himself.

Ajax edged Galatasaray 2-1 as both teams progressed to the play-offs. Porto also advanced with a 1-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Twente eliminated Besiktas with a narrow 1-0 victory.

The play-off draw is set for Friday, with matches scheduled for February 13 and 20.