The second leg off the play-off round of the Europa League is now finished, and here are a few teams that impressed:
Beşiktaş
- Second Leg Opponent/Aggregate Score: HJK Helsinki/6:0
- Impression: Turkish side Beşiktaş had an impressive second leg, winning 4-0 against HJK Helsinki. New signing Ricardo Quaresma (26, a right winger with great technique and dribbling ability), had a good game, scoring the opening goal to drive his side forward. Beşiktaş should really be a tough opponent for anyone in the group stage of the Europa League
Sporting CP
- Second Leg Opponent/Aggregate Score: Brøndby/3:2
- Impression: Sporting had a lot of work to do after losing the first game 2-0, and the team definitely responded well. Striker Yannick Djaló (24, a player with good technique and dribbling ability) had a good game and scored the third and game-winning goal on the 91st minute. Sporting will surely be a tough opponent going forward, as this win should gave them a great amount of confidence.
PSV
- Second Leg Opponent/Aggregate Score: Sibir Novosibirsk/5:1
- Impression: PSV came home with a 1-0 deficit and responded in style. Balázs Dzsudzsák (23, a left winger with great dribbling and shooting abilities) scored 2 goals to help his team win. PSV have a quality team and should be an exciting side to watch in the Europa League group stage.
FC Utrecht
- Secong Leg Opponent/Aggregate Score: Celtic/4:2
- Impression: Dutch side Utrecht had a tough task ahead them, after losing their first leg 2-0, but the team responded well, winning their home game 4-0. Striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel (21, a player with a great touch) had a great game, scoring 3 goals to lead his side to victory. Utrecht did great overall in qualifying and should be a tough opponent in the group stage of the Europa League.
Rapid Wien
- Second Leg Opponent/Aggregate Score: Aston Villa/4:3
- Impression: Rapid Wien played well on the road, winning 3-2, after drawing 1-1 in the first leg at home. Centre back Mario Sonnleitner (23, a player with good heading and tackling abilities) had a good game, scoring a goal to tie the game at 2-2 and give Rapid Wien the lead on aggregate. Rapid Wien have proven they can win against good opposition and should be a tough match up for anyone in the group stage of the Europa League.
