LONDON (Reuters) - Three times European champions Inter Milan were stunned 2-0 at home by Israeli side Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Manchester United were floored by a late goal from Feyenoord as the Europa League group stage got underway on Thursday. AS Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Viktoria Plzen, while fellow Italians Sassuolo, who are making their European debut, enjoyed a superb 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. EUROPEAN ROYALTYBeer-Sheva, playing in the Europa League after falling into Europe's second-tier competition following a Champions League playoff defeat by Celtic last month, largely dominated a sluggish Inter side. United, playing in the Europa League group stage for the first time, never really looked like scoring even after striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was introduced in the second half and they were picked off on the counter in the 79th minute. Premier League side Southampton won 3-0 against visiting Sparta Prague with a Charlie Austin double, while last season's beaten semi-finalists Villarreal won 2-1 at home to Zurich with ex-AC Milan and Chelsea striker Pato among the scorers.

Source: The Star September 15, 2016 20:23 UTC