S Poddar
The Europa League last-16 draw has set up some exciting matchups, with Manchester United taking on Real Sociedad, Tottenham Hotspur facing AZ Alkmaar, and Rangers preparing for a clash with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for March 6, followed by the return legs on March 13. The final will take place on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain.
Exciting Encounters Await
Manchester United and Tottenham will only cross paths if they both reach the final, but United could meet Rangers in the semi-finals, setting up a potential all-British showdown. There’s also a chance for United to go up against their former manager Mourinho, adding another layer of intrigue to their potential route.
For Spurs, a matchup against Fenerbahce is only possible in the final. Mourinho, who was dismissed by Tottenham in April 2021 just days before the Carabao Cup final, could have the opportunity to prove a point if his current side progresses.
Teams’ Performance in the League Phase
Manchester United were the only team to finish the league phase unbeaten, securing third place overall. Their opponents, Real Sociedad, earned their spot in the last 16 with an impressive 7-3 aggregate win over Midtjylland. Spurs, who finished fourth in their group, have already faced AZ Alkmaar this season, securing a 1-0 win against them. The Dutch club, however, demonstrated their firepower in the knockout play-offs, defeating Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate.
Rangers had a tight finish, just managing to clinch the final automatic qualification spot. They now go up against a resilient Fenerbahce side that finished 24th in the league phase before overcoming Anderlecht 5-2 over two legs.
Full Last-16 Draw
- Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos
- Fenerbahce vs Rangers
- Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- FCSB vs Lyon
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio
- Roma vs Athletic Bilbao
Possible Routes to the Final
Manchester United’s Potential Path
- Last 16: Real Sociedad
- Quarter-finals: Lyon or FCSB
- Semi-finals: Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma, or Athletic Bilbao
- Final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, Bodo/Glimt, Frankfurt, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, or Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s Possible Journey
- Last 16: AZ Alkmaar
- Quarter-finals: Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt
- Semi-finals: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, or Bodo/Glimt
- Final: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, Lyon, Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma, or Athletic Bilbao
Rangers’ Road to the Trophy
- Last 16: Fenerbahce
- Quarter-finals: Athletic Bilbao or Roma
- Semi-finals: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, or Lyon
- Final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, Bodo/Glimt, Frankfurt, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, or Tottenham
Key Europa League Knockout Dates
The last-16 first-leg matches are set for March 6, with the second-leg encounters on March 13. The quarter-finals will take place on April 10 and April 17, while the semi-finals will be played on May 1 and May 8. The grand finale will be held at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao on May 21.
With some intense battles lined up, the competition promises high drama as teams push towards European glory.
