Europa League round-up: RB Leipzig salvage draw while Real Betis win five-goal thriller

Europa League round-up: RB Leipzig come from behind twice as they are held to a draw by Real Sociedad, while Real Betis overcome Zenit St Petersburg in a five-goal thriller

  • Anthony Martial scored his first Sevilla goal in a 3-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb
  • Porto and Atalanta secured victories while RB Leipzig drew 2-2 at home 
  • Real Betis took victory in a five-goal thriller against Zenit St Petersburg


There were 28 goals as the Europa League got back underway with eight games on Thursday.

Arguably the match of the night was in Russia where high-flying LaLiga side Real Betis beat Zenit St Petersburg in a five-goal thriller.

Zenit came from two goals down to level things up before Andres Guardado scored what proved to be the winner at the end of an enthralling first-half.

Real Betis beat Zenit St Petersburg in one of the standout games as the Europa League got back underway

Andres Guardado scored what proved to be the winner after 41 minutes following a dramatic first-half

Andres Guardado scored what proved to be the winner after 41 minutes following a dramatic first-half

Betis, who are third in LaLiga, now hold the advantage going into next week’s second leg. 

Elsewhere, RB Leipzig were made to work hard as they came from behind twice to salvage a draw against Real Sociedad. 

Christopher Nkunku and Emile Forsberg netted for the German side to cancel out goals from Robin Le Normand and Mikel Oyarzabal, meaning the sides are level going into next week’s second legs.

RB Leipzig came from behind twice to earn a hard-fought draw against Real Sociedad

RB Leipzig came from behind twice to earn a hard-fought draw against Real Sociedad

Emil Forsberg scored from the spot to make it 2-2 and ensure the sides are level going into the second-leg

Emil Forsberg scored from the spot to make it 2-2 and ensure the sides are level going into the second-leg

Berat Djimsiti scored twice as Atalanta came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Olympiacos. 

Anthony Martial scored one of three goals for Sevilla who took a comfortable 3-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

It was the Frenchman’s first goal since arriving from Manchester United on loan. 

Anthony Martial scored his first goal for Sevilla in their 3-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb

Anthony Martial scored his first goal for Sevilla in their 3-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb

Also in the evening kick-offs, Porto took a 2-1 victory over Lazio thanks to a brace from Toni Martinez.

Elsewhere, Sheriff Tiraspol who impressed before their Champions League exit took a 2-0 victory over Portuguese side Braga.

Rangers secured an incredible 4-2 victory away at Borussia Dortmund while Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Napoli. 

Toni Martinez scored a brace for Porto to give them the advantage in their tie with Lazio

Toni Martinez scored a brace for Porto to give them the advantage in their tie with Lazio

Europa League play-offs first-leg results

Early kick-offs 

Barcelona 1-1 Napoli 

Borussia Dortmund 2-4 Rangers 

Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 Braga 

Zenit St Petersburg 2-3 Real Betis 

Late kick-offs

Porto 2-1 Lazio

Red Bull Leipzig 2-2 Real Sociedad

Atalanta 2-1 Olympiacos

Sevilla 3-1 Dinamo Zagreb 1