South Sweden hosts Roma community, bees on park bench in Roma area
For the initial encounter of Mats Hummels with AS Roma in the Europa League, it didn't turn out as he hoped. The 2014 World Cup champion didn't step onto the pitch as AS Roma faced a 0-1 defeat at the hands of IF Elfsborg Boras from Sweden. From the sidelines, he observed his new team struggle despite Michael Baidoo (penalty, 44') securing the victory for the opponents. Roma has only accrued a single point from their opening two games, a disastrous start.
Meanwhile, Manchester United barely avoided a similar outcome in their contest against FC Porto. They started off strong with a 2-0 lead, thanks to Marcus Rashford (7') and Rasmus Hojlund (20'), but then lost their momentum, ultimately drawing 3-3. Pepe (27'), Samu (34', 50'), and Bruno Fernandes' sending off for United (81') added to their misfortune, but Harry Maguire (90.+1) managed to salvage a point.
Following two of eight fixtures, five teams share the Europa League lead with two victories apiece; this group includes Roma's competitors, Lazio, who defeated OGC Nice 4-1. Pedro (20'), Valentin Castellanos (35', 53'), and Mattia Zaccagni (67') contributed to Lazio's triumph, whereas Jeremie Boga (41') netted one for Nice, aided by Youssoufa Moukoko, a former German international.
Chelsea Shines
Having concluded his rapport with Borussia Dortmund, Hummels embarked on a lengthy pursuit for a new club, eventually confirming his move to Italy in early September. Although he has been consistently included in the squad, he remains yet to debut in his new jersey.
In the Conference League, FC Chelsea, widely regarded as the tournament's top contender, began with a convincing 4-2 win against KAA Gent. Former English champions Chelsea, who will also face 1. FC Heidenheim in the third UEFA Europa League match on November 28, boasted goals from Renato Veiga (12'), Pedro Neto (46'), Christopher Nkunku (63'), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (70'). Tsuyoshi Watanabe (50') and Omri Gandelman (90') retaliated for the Belgians.
Heidenheim's impending adversary, Pafos FC from Cyprus, commenced their campaign with a solid 4-1 victory over Petrocub Hincesti from Moldova. Pafos prepares to host Heidenheim on the second matchday (24 October).
After Hummels' move to AS Roma, he has yet to debut in his new jersey, despite being consistently included in the squad. As Roma continues their Europa League journey, they find themselves at the bottom of their group with only a single point, trailing behind Lazio, who have two victories.
