DThanks to world champion Angel Di Maria, record-breaking Italian soccer champions Juventus Turin are allowed to continue playing in the European Cup for the time being, even during their nightmare season. The “Old Lady”, who is only seventh after a point deduction in Serie A, won 3-0 (2-0) at FC Nantes in the second leg of the Europa League and drew after the 1-1 draw first leg into the round of 16.
Argentina veteran Di Maria scored all three goals. After a dream goal in the fifth minute of the game, the 35-year-old converted a hand penalty (20th). In the previous action, Nantes professional Nicolas Pallois played the ball with his hand and was sent off the field with a red card. Di María also set the final point (78th).
The traditional club from northern Italy, who were eliminated in the preliminary round of the Champions League, were recently deducted 15 points for alleged accounting fraud in connection with player transfers. The club has lodged an appeal with the Supreme Sports Court of the Italian Olympic Committee CONI.
FC Barcelona lost the heavyweight duel in the first knockout round of the Europa League. The team around the German national goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the former Bayern star Robert Lewandowski missed the round of 16 with a 1: 2 (1: 0) at Manchester United. In the first leg, Barca couldn’t get past a 2-2 draw. Barca took the lead at Old Trafford through Lewandowski (18′, penalty). Fred (47th) equalized for ManUnited. Antony sealed the Barca exit (73rd).
AS Roma also reached the round of 16 thanks to the 2-0 (2-0) against RB Salzburg, Sporting Lisbon after a 4-0 (1-0) win at FC Midtjylland in Denmark and FC Sevilla despite the 0-2 (0: 0) at PSV Eindhoven.