Deflected shot lets AC Milan survive Europa League scare

BERLIN Record champions Sevilla and Arsenal made comfortable winning starts to the Europa League but seven-time continental kings AC Milan were made to sweat against minnows Dudelange.

Sevilla thrashed Standard Liege 5-1 in Group J while Arsenal won 4-2 against Ukrainians Vorskla, which put some respectability on the scoreline with two late consolations.

Milan in contrast was made to work hard in Luxembourg and only a deflected shot from Gonzalo Higuain spared their blushes 1-0 in Group F.

Chelsea also settled for a 1-0 win at PAOK in Group L thanks to an early goal from Willian.

Sevilla, which had a run of three Europa League success- esfrom 2014-16, crushed hapless Liege with Ever Banega and Wissam Ben Yedder bagging doubles. Turkish side Akhisarspor lost 1-0 at home Krasnodar in the other group game.

Arsenal proved way too strong for its Group E opponents with a double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the way.

Sporting Lisbon beat Qarabag 2-0 in the other game.

Dudelange was backed by a sold-out 8000 crowd at the Stade Josy Barthel and held its own against one of the most storied clubs in Europe on their group stage debut.

But Higuain’s fortunate goal just before the hour ensured it was left pointless.

Olympiacos and Real Betis in the other group match played out the only goalless draw of 24 games on Thursday.

Lazio survived a 2-1 scare againstApollon.

In Group B, RB Leipzig fought back from two down at home to RB Salzburg only for Fredrik Gulbrandsen to snatch an 89th minute winner 3-2 for the guests. Celtic beat Rosenborg 1-0.