The semi-final of the Europa League between AS Roma and Manchester United has ended. As a result, Man United is the team that has the right to qualify for the 2020-2021 Europa League final.
The Red Devils strolled into the top party with an 8-5 aggregate lead over AS Roma. In the first leg, Man United won 6-2 before AS Roma at Old Trafford last week. However, they lost 2-3 at the Stadio Olimpico in the second leg, Friday (7/5/2021).
The Red Devils scored with a brace scored by Edinson Cavani (38 ‘and 68’). AS Roma’s goals were scored by Edin Dzeko (57 ‘), Bryan Cristante (60’), and Nicola Zalewski (83 ‘). Even though they lost, this result was enough to make the Red Devils advance to the 2020-2021 Europa League final.
The match also produced five interesting notes. The following is the review:
1. The Curse of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Stopped
This result ended the “curse” of Man United under the coaching of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This is because Solskjaer’s troops have always failed in the previous four semifinals, namely the English League Cup (2019-2020, 2020-2021), the FA Cup (2019-2020), and the Europa League (2019-2020). As a result, Solskjaer successfully brought Man United to the top of a competition for the first time.
2. Highest Aggregate in Europa League Semifinals
Based on the aggregate duel for Man United vs AS Roma, it means that the overall goals scored are 13. This is the highest conversion of goals in the two semi-final legs in the Europa League of all time.
3. Man United’s impressive record in the European Final
Manchester United have advanced to the final of the European club competition eight times. This record is the second highest among other English teams. Meanwhile, Liverpool is still the English team that holds the record with 14 final achievements.
4. Edinson Cavani’s Sharpness
Edinson Cavani has shown his sharpness by scoring 16 goals in his last 15 appearances in the Europa League. Cavani has also become the first player to score two goals in the two semi-final legs of the European club competition since Klaus Allofs for FC Koln (vs KSV Waregem in the 1985-1986 UEFA Cup).
5. Man United Favorite “Prey”
AS Roma striker, Edin Dzeko, also made an interesting note in this match. Dzeko made Man United his favorite “prey” after scoring one goal each in the two legs of the Europa League semifinals. That record means Dzeko has scored more goals against Man United in all competitions than any other opponent throughout his career in Europe’s top five leagues.
