Liverpool, Tottenham, Dortmund all held in Europa

Villareal, Fiorentina claim wins to add to fine league form.

PARIS: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund were all held to scoring draws in the second round of games in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers suffered another blow in his fight to save his job as Swiss side FC Sion earned a 1-1 draw at Anfield in Group B.

Rodgers has been heavily criticised by fans and pundits after Liverpool’s disappointing start to the season and he had to endure more boos from the Anfield faithful after another lacklustre display that left them with two draws from their first two matches.

“I thought the result was disappointing considering the number of chances we created,” said Rodgers. “We started well but we gave away a disappointing goal, and they got in and finished what was probably their only chance.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham came within nine minutes of beating last season’s Champions League quarter-finalists Monaco on a rainy night in the principality before Stephan El Shaarawy scored to secure a 1-1 draw for the hosts. “We’re disappointed and it’s two points lost,” said Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. “We could have been more clinical. But I’m happy with the performance and the effort.”

In Greece, Borussia Dortmund continued their unbeaten start to the season but had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with PAOK in Group C.

Recent signing Dimitar Berbatov started up front for the hosts, but it was Slovakian striker Robert Mak who gave PAOK a first-half lead. Gonzalo Castro equalised in fortunate fashion 18 minutes from time, though. His clipped ball into the box was meant for Jonas Hofmann but it evaded him and goalkeeper Robin Olsen and crossed the line. Dortmund top the group by a point ahead of FC Krasnodar, who beat Qabala 2-1 in Russia.

Meanwhile, Spanish league leaders Villarreal claimed their first points in Group E as they beat Czech side Viktoria Plzen 1-0 at El Madrigal, and Serie A leaders Fiorentina continued their fine form as they defeated Belenenses 4-0 in Portugal in Group I.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2015.

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