Europa League 2016: Updated Tables, Scores After Thursday’s Group Results

Southampton were beaten 1-0 by Sparta Prague at the Generali Arena in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. A first-half goal from defender Costa was all it took to down a Southampton side lacking in creativity and quality in attack.

The result means the Saints will have to beat or at least draw 0-0 at home against Hapoel Be’er Sheva at St. Mary’s Stadium in their final Group K match to qualify.

Hapoel came back from two down to shock Inter Milan 3-2 at the Turner Stadium. It means Inter are out of the competition after setting an unwanted first in club history, according to Squawka Football:

Inter Milan have failed to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages for the first time in their history.Wrong end of a comeback. pic.twitter.com/v46btTspRh

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 24, 2016

Here are the results from Thursday’s early group matches:

Here are the updated standings:

Recap

The Saints only needed to better Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s result in Group K but made things hard for themselves once Costa had given Sparta a first-half lead. The Zimbabwe defender tucked in a finish from close range to pile the pressure on Southampton in the Czech capital.

However, Saints chief Claude Puel had picked a strong starting XI loaded with quality in attacking areas. Puel needed more from pacy duo Nathan Redmond and Jay Rodriguez.

The Saints had controlled proceedings, but struggles up front meant they went in trailing at the break, according to Squawka Football:

Sparta Prague 1-0 Southampton HT:Shots: 2-8Pass accuracy: 57%-89%Chances created: 0-5Possession: 34%-66%Dominating, but behind. pic.twitter.com/CwH10UEWhp

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 24, 2016

Needing a spark, …

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