Bayer Leverkusen recorded their third consecutive Europa League victory on Thursday, defeating OFI Crete 2-0 away thanks to a double from Jonas Hofmann, while Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Trabzonspor in a 2-0 Conference League win over Hearts.
**What were the key Europa League outcomes?**
- Leverkusen’s win moved them to nine points, level with Hungarian side Ferencváros, after a 4-1 thrashing of Torreense.
- Union Saint‑Gilloise of Belgium also posted a 4-0 victory against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, keeping them on seven points alongside Juventus and Sunderland.
- Juventus thought they had secured a comeback win against Rennes, but a marginal off‑side call erased the late goal, leaving the match at 2-2.
**Who scored and how did the matches unfold?**
Jonas Hofmann netted both goals for Leverkusen, the first after a swift counter‑attack and the second from a set‑piece in the second half. In the Rennes clash, Zeki Çelik gave Juventus an early lead, only for Musa Al‑Taamari to equalise ten minutes later. Boulaye Dia restored the lead before the break, but a handball led to a penalty converted by Nick Woltemade, tying the game. VAR later disallowed Jhon Lucumi’s 88th‑minute strike for off‑side, sparking debate.
**How did Sunderland fare in Poland?**
Clad in a new all‑pink kit, Sunderland earned a 1-1 draw against the Black Cats in Poznań. Timur Tutierov gave the visitors a second‑half lead, but they could not hold on, allowing Sunderland to salvage a point.
**What happened in the Conference League?**
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, playing for Trabzonspor, converted a penalty to put his side ahead, and a second goal sealed a 2-0 win over Scottish side Hearts.
**What does the future hold for the clubs?**
Leverkusen still have two home fixtures left in the group stage, while Juventus, Sunderland and Union Saint‑Gilloise each sit on seven points after three games, keeping the race for the second‑place spot tight.
Overall, Thursday’s third matchday delivered a mix of triumphs and near‑misses across Europe’s secondary competitions, with Leverkusen and Salah’s teams emerging as the day’s most decisive performers.