Schalke lose without Raul

Former UEFA Cup winners Schalke paid the price for leaving Spanish striker Raul at home as they slumped to an embarrassing Europa League defeat to HJK in Helsinki.

Raul was reportedly rested by the Bundesliga side but with a confirmed offer from Blackburn and speculation mounting about his future, more questions will be asked after his side’s 2-0 loss.

Teemu Pukki opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the Finnish side and added a second nine minutes into the second half, leaving HJK in a strong position when they head into the second leg next week.

Former England number one Scott Carson could not help his new club Bursaspor hold onto a half-time lead against Anderlecht.

Brazilian Gokcek Vederson put the Turks in front but second-half strikes from Jonathan Legear and Milan Jovanovic gave the visitors a 2-1 win.

Former European champions Steaua Bucharest eased towards the group stage with a 2-0 home win over CSKA Sofia, with goals from George Galamaz and Brazilian striker Leandro Tatu.

Dutch former finalists AZ Alkmaar were surprised 2-1 by Aalesund in Norway, for whom Michael Barrantes scored twice, while Club Brugge blew a 2-0 half-time lead to draw 3-3 with Zestafoni in Georgia.