Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t very keen on the Europa League – and wasn’t happy at the start either. The Portuguese lost with Manchester United in Group E 0-1 (0-0) against Real Sociedad San Sebastian from Spain, more than one offside goal did not result for Ronaldo. It was a rare start for the United star, who was willing to change until the very end.
The German goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, meanwhile, celebrated a win with AS Monaco at the start of Group H. At Red Star Belgrade, the team from the principality won 1-0 (0-0), former Mönchengladbacher Breel Embolo (74th) scored per Foul penalty crucial.
Ronaldo is in the first eleven
The most impressive victory was achieved by Lazio Roma, in group F the Italians won against Feyenoord Rotterdam 4:2 (3:0). The Dutch found their way into the game late. Dynamo Kyiv, who narrowly missed out on making it into the Champions League despite the war at home, started the Europa League with a narrow defeat. The Ukrainians lost in Group B at Fenerbahce Istanbul 1: 2 (0: 1).
Ronaldo had forced a departure from Manchester by the end of the change period at the beginning of the month and was more or less loosely associated with numerous clubs. According to reports, the national player, who has been used to the Champions League for years, did not want to play in the Europa League, and there are said to have been disagreements with the new coach Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo has only started once in six Premier League appearances so far, but he was included in the first eleven on Thursday. He scored with a header in the first half, but was ruled offside. After the break, Brais Mendez (59th) decided the game with a hand penalty.
