Find the results of this Thursday evening’s matches, counting for the 3rd day of the Europa League group stage.
If Olympique de Marseille opened the ball at the start of the evening, two other representatives of French football were out this Thursday, in particularly attractive posters. For the season of its big return to the European scene, Toulouse rubbed shoulders with a big name from the continent by traveling to the den of Anfield to challenge the number 1 seed on the field, Liverpool.
For its part, Rennes faced an equally electric atmosphere on the pitch of Panathinaikos in Athens. And the two French clubs have experienced varying fortunes. If Téfécé suffered the law of the Reds (1-5), Stade Rennais found the resources to reap a precious success in Greece (2-1).
Rennes delivers!
Bruno Genesio’s men knew how to capitalize on their strong moments to make their task easier. Rennes broke the deadlock quite quickly through Gouiri, from the 7th minute of play (0-1, 7th). Kalimuendo doubled the lead after returning from the locker room (0-2, 49th), before the locals regained hope after Ioannidis reduced the score from the penalty spot on the hour mark (1-2, 61st). But Rennes held on to maintain this precious advantage until the final whistle. A result which allows them to take control of their hen in front of their evening host.
Toulouse was no match
This scenario contrasted with that experienced by Téfécé, tamed by a Liverpool team much more experienced in European games. Author of the equalizing goal at the start of the match after Jota’s opener (1-0, 9th), Dallinga maintained an illusion which quickly evaporated (1-1, 16th). Because Toulouse ended up sinking, overtaken by a superior LFC in all sectors, despite the rotation carried out by Jürgen Klopp. Endo allowed Liverpool to regain the advantage (2-1, 30th), then the Reds recited their lines: Darwin Nune (3-1, 34th), Gravenberch (4-1, 65th) and the unalterable Salah – came into play (5-1, 90th + 3) added to the bill. If Liverpool rushes towards the next round, Toulouse falls to third place in its group.
