Europa League MD3: Leverkusen imperious, Juve held by Rennes, goals everywhere
Matchday 3 of the Europa League delivered its share of Thursday drama: Leverkusen stay perfect, Juventus held late by Rennes, Crystal Palace draw at Besiktas, and Ferencvaros romp 4-1.
Leverkusen 2-0 at OFI: Jonas Hofmann's brace keeps them perfect
Bayer Leverkusen continued their Europa League dominance with a convincing 2-0 win away at OFI Crete. Jonas Hofmann was the standout performer with a brace that keeps the German side on nine points, a perfect record through three matchdays. The reigning Bundesliga champions are bringing the same defensive discipline that won them the title.
Juventus 2-2 Rennes: VAR denies Lucumi at the death
At the Juventus Stadium, the Turin side came agonisingly close to three vital points against Stade Rennais before VAR intervened. Jhon Lucumi thought he had given Juve the win in the 88th minute, but his goal was disallowed, forcing a 2-2 draw. Nick Woltemade had converted a penalty for Juventus after a handball. Juve sit on three points and must improve in the coming matches.
Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace, Ferencvaros 4-1, NEC 4-2 Dinamo
Crystal Palace held Besiktas 2-2, with the Turkish side finishing with ten men after a red card. Ferencvaros put on a show against Torreense, winning 4-1 to stay within reach of Leverkusen at the top. NEC Nijmegen impressed with a 4-2 win at Dinamo Zagreb, including a brace from Patati. Sunderland earned a point at Lech Poznan (1-1) despite Tutierov's opening goal in the second minute. Union Saint-Gilloise dismantled Beitar Jerusalem 4-0.
Standings: Leverkusen and Ferencvaros lead, Juve and Palace in the pack
After three matchdays, Bayer Leverkusen and Ferencvaros lead with nine points each. Juventus (3 pts) and Crystal Palace (2 pts) find themselves in a congested mid-table. The coming matchdays will be decisive. The Conference League plays its own fixtures this week — more surprises expected.
