The league phase of this year’s UEFA Europa concluded on Thursday night with all 18 games played simultaneously across Europe.
The final matchday saw 64 goals scored across the 18 games, with several clubs battling for survival.
Eight teams advanced directly to the Round of 16: Lazio, Athletic Club, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lyon, Olympiacos, and Rangers.
The remaining 16 teams to compete in the knockout phase play-offs are Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, FCSB, Ajax, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Roma, Viktoria Plzen, Ferencvaros, Porto, AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Union SG, PAOK, Twente, and Fenerbahce.
Braga, Elfsborg, Hoffenheim, Besiktas, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Slavia Praha, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets, Dynamo Kyiv, Nice, and Qarabag have been eliminated from the competition.
New Format and Increased Excitement
The new Europa League format, featuring 24 teams playing eight matches against different opponents, replaced the traditional group stage.
UEFA declared the format a success, saying it was more unpredictable and exciting.
Top Teams and Surprises
Despite the shake-up, top clubs still dominated the last 16 spots.
Six teams from outside Europe’s biggest leagues made it to the play-offs, including former European champions PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Feyenoord, and Celtic, as well as Sporting Lisbon and Club Brugge. RB Leipzig, the highest-profile casualty, struggled with injuries and a tough draw.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham praised the added competitive edge, while coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced concerns over the increased workload on players. Ancelotti suggested reducing the number of matches to lessen the impact on players.
The Europa League knockout phase play-offs will begin at 14:00 GMT on Friday, January 31. The draw will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, and will be streamed live on UEFA’s website.
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