The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League knockout phase exploded into life today as clubs discovered their paths to May’s final in Bilbao during a dramatic draw ceremony at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Seeded Giants Face Tough Tests
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur discovered they’ll face Dutch opposition in the round of 16, with Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils drawn against AZ Alkmaar while Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs squad must overcome Real Sociedad . Both English clubs enter as favorites despite turbulent domestic campaigns that make European success crucial for salvaging their seasons.
| Seeded Teams | Unseeded Opponents |
|---|---|
| Lazio | AS Roma |
| Athletic Bilbao | Viktoria Plzeň |
| Manchester United | AZ Alkmaar |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Real Sociedad |
Bracket Dynamics Revealed
The new competition format created strategic pairings throughout the knockout bracket:
- Scottish champions Rangers face Turkish giants Fenerbahçe
- Eintracht Frankfurt meet Romanian surprise package FCSB
- Olympiacos must overcome Norwegian contenders Bodø/Glimt
“This restructured format guarantees heavyweight clashes from the first knockout round,” said UEFA deputy secretary Giorgio Marchetti during the draw ceremony . “The road to Bilbao will test every aspect of these teams’ European credentials.”
Road to San Mamés Stadium
With Athletic Bilbao already guaranteed final hosting duties at their iconic San Mamés stadium, all eyes remain on whether they can become the first host-city team to lift the trophy since Chelsea in 2019. The Spanish side face Czech outfit Viktoria Plzeň in their last-16 tie .
Key dates for fans:
- Round of 16: March 6 & 13
- Quarterfinals: April 10 & 17
- Semifinals: May 1 & 8
- Final: May 21 (San Mamés Stadium)
