ROME: AS Roma ended Midtjylland’s perfect record in the Europa League with a 2-1 home win on Thursday and a Donyell Malen double earned Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Young Boys where the Swiss away fans disrupted proceedings at Villa Park.
Elsewhere, Celtic came from behind to claim a vital victory at Feyenoord.
Midtjylland were the only side on maximum points after four matches but it was Roma who went in front at the Stadio Olimpico in the seventh minute.
Zeki Celik’s floated pass into the box was met by the crisp volley of Neil El Aynaoui to put the Serie A leaders in control and Roma looked to have wrapped up the win seven minutes from time with Stephan El Shaarawy’s side-footed finish.
The visitors pulled one back with three minutes remaining, substitute Paulinho’s goal making for a nervy ending for the home side. El Shaarawy rocked the crossbar with another effort and Roma held on, and are now on nine points.
Midtjylland still hold the lead in the table, but Villa’s win moves the Premier League side level on 12 points with the Danish side.
Roma tame Midtjylland and Malen double earns Villa win over Young Boys
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Roma tame Midtjylland and Malen double earns Villa win over Young Boys
- Celtic came from behind to claim a vital victory at Feyenoord
- Midtjylland were the only side on maximum points after four matches
Saudi rising star Malik Basahel targets statement win at PFL MENA Finals
AL-KHOBAR: Saudi flyweight prospect Malik Basahel faces a pivotal test in his young professional career when he takes on Egypt’s Mahmoud Atef at the PFL MENA Finals: All or Nothing later on Friday at the Dhahran Expo in Al-Khobar.
Building on strong performances across the PFL and IMMAF circuits, Basahel sees the bout as a natural next step in a progression he has been planning for years. Confident but composed, he views the contest as another opportunity to underline what his record already suggests.
“I feel good. Obviously, it’s my sixth time fighting for the PFL. It’s my third pro fight this year,” Basahel said.
“For me, it’s just another fight, another opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned in the gym, to show my skills, and to get that win. I’m just focused on my next fight. I’ve got a good feeling about it.”
That calm approach is rooted in experience. From a decorated amateur career to an unbeaten start as a professional, Basahel has shown an ability to perform under pressure, with each outing reflecting steady development.
His run in the PFL has already exposed him to a variety of opponents and styles, providing valuable cage time.
Standing opposite him, Atef brings a 5-3 record and a reputation for pushing the pace. Basahel is ready for the challenge.
“He brings the fight, so I can bring the fight as well,” Basahel said. “I’m locked in on this one, and whatever happens after, happens.”
While acknowledging the higher stakes that come with competing on the PFL platform, the Saudi is clear about what keeps him grounded.
“The level of competition is higher than the regional shows, and obviously the media and everything around it plays a part,” he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s only a cage, the same rules, the same fight. I just try to put the work in, show what I can do, and have some fun with it. I always try to learn, always try to improve. I just know I’m going to get this win.”
For Basahel, the matchup with Atef represents a chance to reinforce his status as one of the region’s most promising flyweights and to deliver the statement performance he believes will carry him toward the upper tiers of the sport.
