The Europa League became a somewhat surprising stage for a handful of Leeds United favourites to shine as Kemar Roofe stole the headlines with a record-breaking goal for Rangers in Belgium – while Max Gradel also netted.
Record-breaker Roofe
Roofe came on as a second-half substitute for Rangers against Standard Liege in Belgium and scored just his third goal since his move to Steven Gerrard’s side from Anderlecht. But it was not just any goal.
Picking up the ball on the edge of his own box, Roofe powered past a handful of Liege players before firing an effort from inside his own half that flew into the net. At 56.4 metres, it is the further distance scored in the history of the competition.
Morning😀💙
pic.twitter.com/7C8rcmi8mI— Kemar Roofe (@roofe) October 23, 2020
Gradel delight, but short-lived
Gradel was also on the move in the summer, leaving France to join Turkish side Sivasspor and the 32-year-old starred on Thursday night. He scored his second goal for Sivasspor with a stunning free-kick against Villarreal.
While the goal was magnificent, Gradel’s joy was short-lived as Sivasspor eventually crashed to a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal. Paco Alcacer was in inspired form, as was Tottenham Hotspur loanee Juan Foyth on his debut.
Remember Max Gradel?
The former Premier League winger popped up with a lovely free-kick for Sivasspor this evening 🎯 pic.twitter.com/d6MxNEN1Fl
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 22, 2020
Finally, Clarke makes debut
It has been a long time coming. The teenager has since been on loan twice – returning to Leeds and then QPR – since Leeds cashed in on the England youth international. He came on for Tottenham in their 3-0 win over Austrian side LASK.
Jose Mourinho has been reportedly impressed with Clarke in training despite two disappointing loan spells last term, but he will be kicking himself after missing a sitter for the north London club from 12 yards. Promising, though.
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