By James Agberebi: Spanish giants Atletico Madrid took a commanding first-leg lead as they thrashed Danish club Copenhagen 4-1 away in the first-leg round 32 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursdaynight.
Despite going behind on 15 minutes after Viktor Fisher put Copenhagen 1-0 up, goals from Saul Niguez (21st minute), Kevin Gameiro (37th minute), Antoine Griezman (71st minute) and Vitolo (77th) sealed the impressive first-leg win.
In Italy, Serie A leaders Napoli were stunned 3-1 by Bundesliga club RB Leipzig 2-1.
Timo Werner and Bruma’s goals in the 61st and 74th minutes respectively cancelled out Adam Ounas’ 52nd minute opener for Napoli.
Werner then added a third goal for RasenBallsport Leipzig in the 90th minute.
In France, Olympique Lyon saw off Laliga outfit Villareal 3-1.
Lyon shot into the lead in the 46th minute thanks to Tanguy Ndombele’s goal before Nabil Fekir scored on 49 minutes to bring score to 2-1.
In the 63rd minute, Pablo Fornals reduced the deficit for Villareal to make it 2-1.
But with eight minutes left, former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay sealed the game with his goal for Lyon.
And in Scotland, Callum McGregor’s 78 minutes strike saw Celtic pip Zenit St. Petersburg 1-0.
Other Europa League round 32 first-leg results saw Partizan Beograd held 1-1 at home by Viktoria Plzen, FC FCSB edged visiting Lazio 1-0, and Dynamo Kyiv forced home side AEK Athens to a 1-1 draw.
Europa: Atletico Hammer Copenhagen As Leipzig Shock Napoli; Celtic, Lyon Win
