The Europa League’s Round of 16 has some unexpected results on Thursday night as Manchester United were defeated at home by a mighty Athletic Bilbao side. In another match, Spanish side Valencia completed a 4-2 win over PSV Eindhoven.
Manchester United v Athletic Bilbao: 2-3
Alex Ferguson’s side continued their poor form at Old Trafford in European competitions this season with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Spanish club Athletic Bilbao. The result made sure that the Premier League Champions still stay with just one win in Europe in 2011-12 campaign.
Three away goals will be advantage for Bilbao who had Fernando Llorente, De Marcos and Muniain on the score sheet. Muniain was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch as he caused all sorts of problems for United’s defence with his skill and trickery.
Bilbao’s goals came after Wayne Rooney had put United in front in the 22nd minute. Llorente equalized just before half-time, while De Marcos scored the goal that mattered the most in the 72nd minute with a left-footed volley. And Muniain made it 3-1 in the 90th minute with a rebound shot.
The Red Devils were heading out of the match with a two-goal deficit, but Rooney scored a penalty to bring down Bilbao’s advantage to just one goal.
Valencia v PSV Eindhoven: 4-2
PSV Eindhoven’s poor form – after a 6-2 defeat by FC Twente in the Dutch Eridivise –continued against Valencia as the Spanish club registered a 4-2 win at the Estadio de Mestalla.
Victor Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 11th minute by putting Valencia in front. Roberto Soldado added a goal two minutes later and completed his brace just before the end of the first half, which made the score line 3-0 at the interval.
Pablo Piatti had more entertainment in store for the Valencia fans as he made it 4-0 for his team through a 56th minute goal.
PSV came back to score two goals in the final six minutes to return home with just a two goal deficit.
The two-legged tie would have been won by Valencia in this game itself if they had not allowed PSV to score two late goals. Their Dutch opponents will take some heart from these goals and try to comeback in the second leg.