UEFA Cup Thursday Results
As we presented yesterday, here is the second set of matches on this Round of 32 matchday 1. Unlike yesterday, today’s matches featured some of the heavyweights and favourites of the cup. While, once again there were not many surprise results, the fact that the two English sides both dropped all three points was somwhat curious, however when comparing the results to each teams’ recent run of form, neither scoreline is truly surprising.
Lech Poznan 2-2 Udinese
In one of a few snow covered matches tonight, the sole Polish side left in the tournament KKS Lech Poznan hosted Italian side Udinese. While the majority of the match remained scoreless, it was only in the 50th minute of play that the Italians took the lead off a Fabio Quagliarella receivd the ball off of a well placed free kick. They soon had their lead doubled after a Poznzn own goal after a Udinese striker was parried away by the keeper, only to have it strike a defender. With a number of chances to their credit, Poznan were unlucky to hit the post twice before Portugese stiker Rengifo added their first nine minutes from time. Only three minutes later, the hosts drew level after Arboldea headed home a corner.
Shakhtar Dontesk 2-0 Spurs
It seems as if the cold weather in eastern Europe this time of year is taking its told on some of the west’s top club, as another top seated side was victim to some late goals. Though it would seem also that a number of changes- 9 to be exact- from the weekend’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal was also to blame. While almost taking direct advantage of the changes, Shathkar had a number of chances though it only be until the 79th that they wouldpay dividens as Slelznov headed home a Jadson cross. Only a few minutes later, Jadson turned scorer after a well places strike doubled the home side’s lead.
FC Copenhagen 2-0 Man City
Continuing with the theme of snow and late strikes, Premier League side Manchester City seemed to have been left out in the cold after an injury time hit put the hosts on level terms. To open the scoring on 29 minutes as Nedum Onuoha had a very weak shot go through the hands of the Copenhagen keeper, however the home side leveled in the 56th through an Almeida hit. Stephen Ireland then hit his 10th of the season on 61 to bring the Citizens 2-1 up. However, as stated, a late Martin Vingaard header gave the Lions a 2-2 draw as they travel to England.
| FT | Lech Poznan | 2 - 2 | Udinese |
| FT | Shakhtar Donetsk | 2 - 0 | Tottenham H. |
| FT | FC Copenhagen | 2 - 2 | Manchester C. |
| FT | Fiorentina | 0 - 1 | Ajax Amsterdam |
| FT | Marseille | 0 - 1 | FC Twente Enschede |
Peter Herrnreiter
