The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 draw for the 2024/25 season has been finalized, setting up thrilling matchups as the competition reaches its knockout phase. With European giants like Manchester United, AS Roma, and Tottenham still in the mix, the race for the title intensifies. The final will be played in Bilbao at the iconic San Mames Stadium on May 21st.
Exciting Round of 16 Fixtures Set
The revamped Europa League format has created intense competition, and the draw has delivered some intriguing matchups. The top eight teams from the league phase automatically qualified, while the next 16 teams had to battle through a playoff round to earn a place in the last 16.
Here’s a look at the full Round of 16 draw:
- Lazio vs Viktoria Plzen (16th seed)
- Athletic Club vs AS Roma (15th seed)
- Manchester United vs Real Sociedad (13th seed)
- Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar (19th seed)
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax (12th seed)
- Lyon vs FCSB (11th seed)
- Olympiacos vs Bodo/Glimt (9th seed)
- Rangers vs Fenerbahce (24th seed)
The higher-seeded team will play the second leg at home, giving them an advantage in the knockout stage. The quarter-final and semi-final draws have also been determined, shaping the possible road to the final.
The road to Bilbao #UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/0MfdMuQFel
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 21, 2025
Manchester United Face a Tough Challenge Against Real Sociedad
Manchester United have been drawn against Spanish side Real Sociedad in what promises to be a tactical battle. The Red Devils are aiming to add another Europa League trophy to their cabinet, having last won the competition in 2017.
Sociedad, however, are no pushovers. They topped their group in the league phase and have been in excellent form domestically. With playmakers like Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo leading their attack, they could trouble United’s defense.
Our next #UEL opponents have been confirmed…
Real Sociedad #MUFC pic.twitter.com/qx6jGHnNh4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 21, 2025
This isn’t the first time these two sides have met in European competition. United and Sociedad faced each other in the Europa League in 2021, with United advancing. However, the Spanish side has since improved, making this a highly anticipated clash.
Roma vs Athletic Club – Ranieri’s Men Face Spanish Test
AS Roma will take on Athletic Club, setting up a fiery encounter. Ranieri’s Roma side have been strong in Europe, reaching consecutive finals in the Europa Conference League and Europa League in recent seasons.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, will have the advantage of playing the final at their home stadium, San Mames, if they progress. The Basque side has been solid this season, with their pressing style of play causing problems for opponents.
With players like Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams leading their attack, they will test Roma’s experienced defense. Ranieri will need his key players, including Paulo Dybala , to deliver if Roma are to move past this tricky tie.
Premier League Clubs on the Hunt for Silverware
Alongside Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur will also be looking to advance, as they face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Spurs have been one of the strongest teams in the Europa League this season, finishing in the top eight of the league phase.
AZ Alkmaar, however, are known for their attacking approach and could pose a threat to Ange Postecoglou’s side. With Harry Kane leading the Spurs attack, they will be favorites, but Alkmaar’s quick transitions and counter-attacks make them dangerous opponents.
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Frankfurt vs Ajax – A Clash of Former Champions
One of the most exciting ties of the round features Eintracht Frankfurt against Ajax. Both teams have rich histories in European competitions and are looking to return to their former glory.
Frankfurt won the Europa League in 2022 and will be aiming for another deep run, while Ajax, with their young squad, are eager to make a statement. This fixture promises to be an entertaining battle between two attacking-minded teams.
Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals Path Revealed
Following the Round of 16, the remaining teams will battle it out in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The fixtures are as follows:
- Round of 16: March 6th & March 13th
- Quarter-finals: April 10th & April 17th
- Semi-finals: May 1st & May 8th
- Final: May 21st in Bilbao
The final at San Mames will be a special occasion, as Athletic Club will have the opportunity to play the biggest match in their history at home if they reach the final.
New Europa League Format – What Has Changed?
The 2024/25 season introduced a new format in the UEFA Europa League. Instead of the traditional group stage, the competition now features a 36-team league phase. Each team played eight matches, with the top eight teams automatically qualifying for the Round of 16.
Teams finishing between 9th and 24th had to go through a playoff round, where they battled for the remaining eight spots in the knockout stage.
This new system has made the tournament more competitive, with stronger teams facing challenges early on. The knockout phase remains the same, leading to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
When and Where is the Europa League Final?
The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League final will be played on Wednesday, May 21st, at 21:00 CET at San Mames in Bilbao. The stadium, home to Athletic Club, is one of Spain’s most iconic venues and previously hosted the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
With the knockout rounds now set, the stage is ready for an intense battle as teams fight for European glory. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the Europa League trophy? Fans can look forward to thrilling action as the competition heats up.
