The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League has reached its thrilling quarter-final stage following an intense round of 16. The draw, conducted earlier today, has revealed some blockbuster matchups, with Manchester United taking on Lyon and Rangers set to face Athletic Club. As the road to the final in Bilbao intensifies, teams will battle it out for a coveted spot in the semi-finals, with the first legs scheduled for April 10th and the return fixtures on April 17th.
Europa League Quarter-Final Fixtures
The quarter-final matchups have been officially confirmed:
- Lazio vs Bodo/Glimt
- Athletic Club vs Rangers
- Manchester United vs Lyon
- Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt
The draw has also determined the pathway to the final, with the winners of these quarter-final ties advancing to the semi-finals, which will take place on May 1st and May 8th.
Your quarter-finalists are confirmed
Tap below to sim the #UELbracket and pick your winner ⬇️#UEL | @Betano_PT
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 13, 2025
How the Teams Reached the Quarter-Finals
Each of the remaining eight teams fought hard to secure their place in the final eight, with several dramatic moments in the round of 16. Here’s a look at how each side progressed:
- Lazio edged past Viktoria Plzen with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
- Athletic Club pulled off a thrilling 4-3 win over AS Roma to book their quarter-final spot.
- Manchester United dismantled Real Sociedad 5-2 over two legs, with captain Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick in the second leg.
- Tottenham Hotspur narrowly overcame AZ Alkmaar 3-2 in a tense encounter.
- Eintracht Frankfurt displayed dominance, eliminating Ajax with a commanding 6-2 aggregate score.
- Lyon delivered one of the most convincing performances, thrashing FCSB 7-1 over two legs.
- Bodo/Glimt continued their impressive European run, defeating Olympiacos 4-2.
- Rangers survived a penalty shootout to edge past Fenerbahce, winning 3-2 on spot-kicks after a dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw.
Manchester United vs Lyon – A Clash of European Giants
One of the most anticipated quarter-final matchups sees Manchester United take on Lyon, a fixture that promises high drama. United, under Ruben Amorim, are looking to salvage their season through Europa League success, with their domestic struggles making European silverware their primary objective.
The Red Devils come into this tie in impressive European form, having dominated Real Sociedad in the round of 16. Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford will be key figures for United as they seek to overcome a well-organized Lyon side.
Lyon, on the other hand, have been in sensational attacking form, scoring seven goals in their last round. The French outfit will rely on their strong midfield presence and attacking firepower to challenge United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
READ NEXT:
- Madrid is White! Los Blancos Stay Ice-Cold from the Spot to Knock Atletico Out of Champions League
- CAPTAIN FANTASTIC! Bruno Fernandes’ Hat-Trick Fires Man United Past Sociedad into Europa League Last 8
Rangers Face Tough Test Against Athletic Club
Scottish giants Rangers have been handed a tough draw against Athletic Bilbao, a team known for their resilience and solid defensive structure. Athletic Club will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, and with the final taking place in Bilbao, the Spanish side will be even more motivated to progress.
Rangers showed immense character in their last-16 tie, eliminating Fenerbahce in a dramatic penalty shootout. Barry Ferguson’s men will need to be at their absolute best to overcome a strong Athletic side.
Other Key Quarter-Final Fixtures
- Lazio vs Bodo/Glimt – Lazio will look to continue their strong European campaign, but Bodo/Glimt have already proven they can cause upsets.
- Tottenham vs Eintracht Frankfurt – Spurs, led by Ange Postecoglou, will be determined to go all the way, but Frankfurt’s European pedigree makes them dangerous opponents.
Europa League Knockout Stage Schedule
- Quarter-finals: April 10th & April 17th
- Semi-finals: May 1st & May 8th
- Final: May 21st at San Mames, Bilbao
The Road to Bilbao
With just eight teams remaining, the stakes are higher than ever. The teams that emerge victorious from the quarter-finals will edge closer to the prestigious Europa League trophy and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
For Manchester United, winning this tournament could be their only route back to Europe’s elite competition. Meanwhile, Rangers and Tottenham are also looking to end their seasons on a high with silverware.
The final, set to take place at San Mames in Bilbao, will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable European night. Fans around the world will be watching closely as the remaining teams battle it out for a place in history.
