Dutch teams performed well in their opening Europa League group stage matches, with AZ Alkmaar beating Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 in group E. Matchwinner was defender Kew Jaliens who scored seven minutes from the final whistle.

Another last-ditch goal, by Hungarian striker Balasz Dzsudzsak, gave PSV Eindhoven a 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria from Turin, who had led with Fabrizio Cacciatore's 25th-minute goal in Group I.

A major upset came in Group K where Napoli were held 0-0 at home by FC Utrecht. The result “felt like a victory”, said Utrecht manager Ton Du Chatinier. “Given the number of chances we had, we would have deserved to win. Having said that, it’s great to be able to wrest a point from Napoli in Italy.