It was another disappointing night in Europe for the English contingent after the Premier League's top two fell to potentially damaging defeats.
The Europa League is stronger than ever this season, as Manchester United and Manchester City found out to their cost. The champions and champions elect were below-par and punished by fearless opponents.
Manchester United hosted Spanish side Athletic Bilbao with the 2-1 home defeat to Ajax on February 23 still fresh in their minds. Sir Alex Ferguson's men face an uphill battle to stay in the competition after a stunning 3-2 reverse at Old Trafford. Fans of Bet Victor will have been astonished.
Bilbao began the game with purpose and energy and United struggled to cope during the opening exchanges. It was a surprise when Wayne Rooney gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half.
The La Liga outfit refused to lie down and came storming back. Fernando Llorente headed home just before the break to give Bilbao a deserved equaliser and that goal gave them the platform to hurt United's European bid in the second period. People looking at Victor Chandler need to bear this in mind.
Oscar De Marcos and Iker Muniain found a way past the excellent David de Gea to give the Spaniards a two-goal cushion, before Rooney gave United a lifeline from the penalty spot in injury time.
Manchester City travelled to Portugal for the second time in as many rounds to face Sporting Lisbon. They failed to come away with an away goal and will begin the return leg at the Etihad Stadium with a one-goal deficit after Xandao's second-half strike.
Roberto Mancini's men lacked energy and attacking verve against spirited opposition. They rarely threatened Sporting keeper Rui Patricio and had opposite number Joe Hart to thank for keeping the damage to a minimum.
The top English sides are finding the going tough on the continent this season.
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