Xinhua News Agency, London, December 14 (Reporter Zhang Wei) The final round of the group stage of the Europa League on the 14th, Rangers defeated Real Betis 3:2, thus qualifying as the group leader.
Rangers visit Sevilla, Spain, to take on Real Betis, who lead Group C with nine points before the start of the round. Although the home team fell behind twice and equalised twice, the resilient Scottish Super League side won 3-2 thanks to substitute Ruff's 78th-minute goal, accumulating 11 points to jump to the top of the group.
Liverpool, who won the top spot in Group E ahead of schedule, let the main striker Salah, defender Van Dijk and No. 1 goalkeeper Alisson rest in turn, and the result was a 1-2 defeat against Belgium's Saint-Gilloise United.
However, Liverpool's Premier League compatriots Brighton and West Ham both won. The 'Seagulls' repelled Marseille 1-0 thanks to Pedro's goal in the 88th minute and snatched the top spot in Group B from their opponents. The "Hammers" in Group A sent Freiburg away 2:0 and also won the top spot in the group.
In addition, although Jose Mourinho's Roma won on the day, it was not enough to shake Slavia Prague's top spot in Group G.
According to the rules, the winners of the eight groups in the Europa League directly advance to the round of 16. In second place, they will need to play a third-placed team in the Champions League group stage for the play-offs.
The draws for the play-offs will take place on the 18th, followed by two legs in February next year. (ENDS).