A place in the Europa League Round of 16 is at stake when teams clash in the Round of 32 second leg on Thursday night. Here are Things to look out for in Europa League Round of 32 second leg. Bet on the Europa League here.
Uphill task for Ajax
Ajax were well beaten last week by Getafe in the first leg, losing 2-0. The Spanish overachievers made life incredibly difficult at the Coliseum and Erik ten Hag’s side are in big trouble ahead of the second leg. Not only did they both fail to score and fail to register a shot on target in Spain, but they also managed just two shots. Therefore, they’re up for a huge test from Jose Bordalas’ side. As much as Ajax performed way above expectations last season in the Champions League, their home form was wanting. Getafe have lost just once away from home in the Europa League this season and Ajax’s attack will have to be top class against a relentless and organised defence.
Roma’s shaky away form
A solitary Carles Pérez strike in the 13th minute against Gent proved enough for AS Roma to take a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg in Belgium. However, their performance was dire and will need to improve in Belgium. Gent were excellent but failed to score a goal considering they had more attempts on goal than Roma. They are unbeaten at home in the league and after a good showing in Italy, the hosts are capable of overturning the deficit. Roma have lost their last three away games in all competitions and have won just three away from home in their last nine in this competition.
Diogo Jota’s hunt for the Golden Boot
Wolves forward Diogo Jota bagged a hat-trick in Wolves’ 4-0 romp over Espanyol in their last 32 first-leg clash on Thursday. The Portuguese had not scored since netting another hat-trick in their final group game in December, another 4-0 win over Besiktas. He is the joint top scorer in the competition this season and after netting twice against Norwich City, he’s raring to go against the Spaniards who are rock bottom in La Liga.
Tough test for Porto and Benfica
Bayer Leverkusen picked up a deserved narrow 2-1 win against Porto in the first leg in Germany but face a massive test in Portugal. A late goal from Luis Diaz brought Porto right back into this tie and they can finish the job at the Dragao. Porto have won 17 of their 20 home games this season, meaning they’ll be up for it on Thursday night. Leverkusen have won their last five matches in all competition and head into this clash as favourites.
Benfica have won 12 of their last 13 home games in all competitions, although Bruno Lage’s team is having a dip in form. Their 2-1 loss against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg marked four games without a win for them but they since registered a narrow 1-0 win in the league against Gil Vicente. The Ukrainians are coming from the Champions League and will look to shock the Primeira Liga leaders in their own backyard.
Man United and Arsenal to finish the job
Despite a poor performance against Club Brugge in the first leg, Manchester United snatched a 1-1 draw ahead of the return leg on Thursday. The Red Devils, Europa League winners in 2017, scored an important away goal and avoided defeat. The Red Devils have won their three home games in the Europa League this season whilst keeping three clean sheets. They have won ten of their 14 Europa League matches, losing just twice. Therefore, a comfortable win isn’t a lot to ask.
The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 away from home in the first leg against Greek giants Olympiakos. Mikel Arteta’s men are picking up momentum and stretched their unbeaten run to ten with the 3-2 win over Everton Sunday. They are unbeaten in 2020 and should get the job done on Thursday night.