PSV defeats Arsenal and advances Lazio to the Europa League’s round of 16

PSV Eindhoven easily defeated Arsenal 2-0 at home on Thursday to secure a spot in the Europa League round of 16, while Lazio increased their hopes of moving on with a 2-1 victory against Danish team Midtjylland.

Already-qualified Following Bodo/2-1 Glimt’s loss to FC Zurich in the other game, PSV secured its advancement to the knockout round, ending Arsenal’s unblemished start in Group A.

PSV had two first-half goals disallowed for offside, but in the 55th minute Joey Veerman gave them a well-deserved lead with a left-footed shot that went past Aaron Ramsdale. Substitute Luuk De Jong then doubled their advantage with a header.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were introduced by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to try to save the game, but they were unable to overcome a tenacious PSV team, who trailed the Londoners by two points with one game remaining.

Lazio wins over Midtjylland.
Lazio defeated Midtjylland after coming from behind with to goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pedro, giving them eight points after five games in Group F.

Fenerbahce tied Stade Rennais 3-3 in Group B after coming back from a 3-0 deficit thanks to goals from Enner Valencia, Miha Zajc, and Emre Mor. Both groups had previously earned spots in the elimination round.

The group winners go to the round of 16, while the eight runners-up compete in the playoffs in February against the eight teams that finished third in their respective Champions League groups.

With a 2-0 victory over Malmo, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium advanced as the group’s victor, while Bundesliga leaders Union Berlin defeated Braga 1-0 to move above them into second place, two points clear of the Portuguese team.