Thursday saw several former European champions secure their spots in the group stages of continental competitions. Ajax, four-time winners of the European Cup, enjoyed a comfortable victory in the Europa League. Kian Fitz-Jim, Kenneth Taylor, and Brian Brobbey found the back of the net as Ajax cruised past Polish side Jagiellonia 3-0, advancing 7-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, Romanian club FCSB, who triumphed in the 1986 European Cup as Steaua Bucharest, survived a tense encounter in the Conference League. Darius Olaru scored a dramatic late goal in added time, giving FCSB a 1-0 home victory over LASK from Austria and a 2-1 aggregate win.
In Istanbul, Ciro Immobile continued his impressive goal-scoring form since joining Besiktas, netting twice to lead his team to a resounding 5-1 Europa League win over Swiss outfit Lugano. The victory gave Besiktas an 8-4 aggregate advantage.
Chelsea, competing in the Conference League, made eight changes to their squad following their Premier League victory over Wolves. Despite a 2-0 lead from the first leg against Servette, Chelsea found themselves in a tight spot as Servette fought back with two goals. The Londoners, however, ultimately secured a 3-2 aggregate win thanks to a penalty converted by Christophe Nkunku.
Fiorentina, last year’s Conference League finalists, also had a nerve-wracking encounter. They squandered a two-goal lead in the first leg and repeated this feat on Thursday. However, Fiorentina survived two red cards and a penalty shootout to defeat Puskas Akademia.
Welsh side New Saints secured their place in the Conference League group stage with a 0-0 draw against Panevezys, having secured a comfortable 3-0 lead in the first leg.
In another Conference League encounter, Larne from Northern Ireland needed a hat-trick of penalties from Andrew Ryan to overcome Red Imps from Gibraltar. Larne fought back despite playing a man down after Christopher Gallagher was sent off. Ryan’s heroic penalty saves secured a thrilling victory for his team.
