Liverpool and Hammers win, Brighton battle back
Liverpool closed in on the Europa League knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday, while Brighton fought back to secure their first European point in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Marseille. And West Ham's 2-1 at Freiburg saw them set a new record unbeaten streak for an English team in Europe. Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Anthony Moris had been in inspired form to deny Mohamed Salah early on, but his fumble from Trent Alexander-Arnold's effort left Ryan Gravernberch with a tap-in for his first Liverpool goal on the stroke of half-time. Liverpool were made to wait until stoppage time to secure the points as Diogo Jota burst clear on goal and produced a cool finish. Marseille have struggled so far this season but went 2-0 up at home to Brighton thanks to two goals in two minutes midway through the first half. Brighton seemed destined for a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, but the momentum swung when Pascal Gross was picked out by Kaoru Mitoma, and then Joao Pedro levelled from the penalty spot after Tariq Lamptey had been upended inside the box two minutes from time. "I think we are not playing well, it's a very tough period for us in this moment," said Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. AEK are the surprise leaders of Group B, on four points, after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Ajax. West Ham, meanwhile, are well on course for the last 16 after stretching their unbeaten run in Europe to 17 games. "It's a brilliant achievement, I've said to the boys we need to keep it going," said Hammers boss David Moyes. Lucas Paqueta put the Europa Conference League winners in front after just eight minutes with a towering header, but Roland Sallai levelled for Freiburg early in the second-half. The Hammers were not to be denied, however, as Nayef Aguerd headed home the winner from James Ward-Prowse's corner. European competitions have also been Roma's strong point under Jose Mourinho and the Italians put their poor Serie A form to one side against Servette. Lukaku opened the scoring before an Andrea Belotti brace either side of Lorenzo Pellegrini's strike made it two wins from two for Roma in Group G. However, Rangers did not get any reaction from the sacking of Michael Beale as the Glasgow giants slumped to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Aris Limassol. Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Shavy Babicka scored on a famous night for the Cypriots as Abdallah Sima's header proved nothing more than a consolation for Rangers. And in the Europa Conference League, Aston Villa left it very late to see off Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar 1-0 as John McGinn headed in a 94th-minute winner. (AFP)