Zaroury Hat-Trick, Giroud Glory: Europa League Night of Surprises
The UEFA Europa League served up drama on its second night of group stage action. Rangers fell at Ibrox to a familiar face, while across Europe veterans and newcomers delivered unforgettable moments.
Oh Returns to Haunt Rangers
At Ibrox, Genk spoiled Rangers’ opening night with a 1–0 win. The decisive goal came from none other than Hyeongyu Oh — the former Celtic striker.
The first half was pure chaos. Genk’s Patrik Hrošovský struck the post, while Rangers were reduced to ten men after Mohamed Diomande’s reckless challenge saw him sent off. Moments later, Oh had the chance to put the visitors ahead from the spot after Yaimar Medina was fouled, but Jack Butland guessed right and kept it out.
The South Korean forward wasn’t done. Just after the break, Oh pounced on a loose ball inside the box and drilled it past Butland, silencing the Glasgow crowd. For Rangers, it was a night of frustration. For Oh, it was the sweetest of returns.
Panathinaikos Shine in Style
Elsewhere, Anass Zaroury lit up the competition with the first hat-trick of the 2025/26 campaign. The winger fired Panathinaikos to a 4–1 away victory at Young Boys, putting aside domestic struggles and grabbing the first treble of his career.
Giroud Rolls Back the Years
Lille also made headlines as Olivier Giroud, just shy of his 39th birthday, proved age is only a number. The veteran striker rose highest to nod in the winner against Brann in a thrilling 2–1 contest where both sides struck the woodwork twice. His goal makes him the third-oldest scorer in Europa League history.
Late Drama in Salzburg and Beyond
Porto snatched victory in Salzburg thanks to a last-gasp curler from William Gomes. Lyon edged Utrecht 1–0 after Tanner Tessmann’s strike, while Stuttgart squeezed past Celta in Germany, with Badredine Bouanani and Bilal El Khannouss providing the goals.
Ferencváros and Viktoria Plzeň shared the points in Budapest in a 1–1 draw, while FCSB and Lyon both enjoyed narrow away wins to start their group campaigns strong.
Thursday’s Results
Go Ahead Eagles 0–1 FCSB
Lille 2–1 Brann
Aston Villa 1–0 Bologna
Young Boys 1–4 Panathinaikos
Salzburg 0–1 Porto
Utrecht 0–1 Lyon
Ferencváros 1–1 Viktoria Plzeň
Rangers 0–1 Genk
Stuttgart 2–1 Celta
