Wins for Inter Milan, Liverpool in Europa League

LONDON (AP) — Inter Milan and Liverpool both made winning starts to Europa League qualifying on Thursday, but there was disappointment for another former European champion as Marseille was held 1-1 at Eskisehirspor in Turkey.

Inter, which earlier announced the arrival of Chinese investors in the club, was a 3-0 winner against Hajduk Split in the away leg of the third qualifying round.

Wesley Sneijder opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with further strikes from Yuto Nagatomo and Philippe Coutinho sealing the win.

Stewart Downing scored only his third goal for Liverpool as the Premier League side labored to beat FC Gomel of Belarus 1-0 in Brendan Rodgers' first competitive match in charge.

Last season's losing finalist Athletic Bilbao beat Slaven Koprivnica 3-1.

The second legs will be played on Aug. 9.