The Europa Conference League provided us with another week of great football. Here are some of the best moments from matchday two.
Villarreal narrowly win
Last week they narrowly beat Lech Poznan 4-3, and this week former Europa League winners Villarreal travelled to Israel to take on Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Again, it wasn’t easy for the Spanish side, and they looked close to missing out on points. They took the lead through a penalty halfway through the first half, before conceding an equaliser early in the second.
Only a 67th minute Alex Baena strike could give them the three points they need.
Villarreal came into the tournament expecting to easily top their group, but things haven’t been quite so easy for them, and they’ll be hoping to bounce back and dominate the group in the future.
¿PERO QUÉ FANTASÍA ES ESTA 🦄?#UECL pic.twitter.com/yP1hhMAgwR
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 15, 2022
Fiorentina crashing
Fiorentina were hoping to keep up the late tradition of Italian clubs in the Conference League, but things aren’t quite going to plan.
After a shocking draw against RFS, they were hoping for better against Istanbul Başakşehir.
It wasn’t to be. Turkish veteran Serdar Gürler was by far the best player on the pitch as the Turks won 3-0.
One point from their first two games is not quite Fiorentina were expecting.
🇹🇷 Haydi oylar Serdar Gürler'e! 📩 👊🏻 https://t.co/GTn18HDOZe pic.twitter.com/7A70g3T59V
— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) September 16, 2022
Nordic drama in Sweden
The all-Nordic clash between Djurgårdens and Molde looked like a promising matchup, and those who tuned in enjoyed a match full of drama.
It started with a successful penalty for Molde, converted by Datro Fofana. A 50th minute equaliser from Amadou Doumbouya followed, and then Emmanuel Banda gave Djurgårdens the lead eight minutes later.
But Molde didn’t give up, and pulled level 10 minutes from time.
In the last minutes of the game, however, Joel Adorno slotted home for the Swedes to give Djurgårdens their first win in the group stage this season.
Armenia’s first win
Last season, Alshakert became the first Armenian side to play in the Conference League group stage, ending their campaign with one point and bowing out at the end of the round.
This year it was Pyunik’s turn, and they helped to write and important chapter in Armenian football.
Hosting Slovan Bratislava, they scored two first half goals in quick succession. A 2-0 lead that saw them through the whole 90 minutes.
It was the first time an Armenian team has won a Conference League game. And, surprisingly for some, are showing themselves to be a contender for second place, behind leader’s Basel.
Edited by Alex Smith
Thumbnail photo by Villarreal CF official Twitter account
WE DID IT!!! Three points and a clean sheet! Well done boys!#gopyunik🔵🔴 #fcpyunik #skslovan #uefaconferenceleague #conferenceleague pic.twitter.com/SYnXE4tdLx
— FC Pyunik (@FC_Pyunik) September 15, 2022
