Europa League: Atlético de Madrid, AC Milan, and Arsenal Take Steps Towards Round of 16

In the return of the Europa League, with the first leg of the round of 32, Atlético de Madrid, AC Milan, and Arsenal won away from home this Thursday and took a big step towards the round of 16 of the second continental competition.

The situation of other favorites in the competition, such as Borussia Dortmund, became less clear. They were able to win 3-2 against Atalanta with a goal in injury time by Belgian Michy Batshuayi. Napoli, the leader of Serie A, lost 3-1 at home against RB Leipzig and is on the brink of elimination.

Two Spanish clubs, Villarreal and Real Sociedad, also found themselves in a difficult situation. The former lost 3-1 against Olympique Lyon, while the latter drew 2-2 at home against RB Salzburg.

On a positive note for Spanish clubs, both Atlético de Madrid and Athletic de Bilbao had a good day in the Europa League. They will face each other on Sunday in the Spanish La Liga.

Diego Simeone's team won 4-1 in Copenhagen and practically sealed their place in the next round. This was their return to the Europa League, a tournament they won in 2010 and 2012. This victory in the Danish cold allows the team to face the second leg next week with a lot of confidence. They joined the Europa League after being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, where they finished third.

Viktor Fischer scored for the hosts in the 15th minute, but then Atlético turned the game around with goals from Saúl Ñíguez (21'), Kevin Gameiro (37'), Antoine Griezmann (71'), and Vitolo (77').

In the case of Athletic, they won 3-1 as visitors against Spartak Moscow. Aritz Aduriz scored twice (22' and 39'), and just before halftime, Mikel Rico (45+1') also found the net. Luiz Adriano (60') scored for the Moscow team, but it was only a consolation goal in a match played in very cold temperatures.

Other heavyweights in the Europa League also delivered. AC Milan won 3-0 in Bulgaria against Ludogorets, with goals from Patrick Cutrone (45'), Ricardo Rodríguez (64' penalty), and Fabio Borini (90+2'). Meanwhile, Arsenal won by the same scoreline in Sweden against Östersund, with goals from Nacho Monreal (13'), Mesut Özil (58'), and an own goal by Sotirios Papagiannopoulos (24').

The second leg matches will be played next Thursday.