As a result of the conclusion of the play-off round matches, the paths that will lead Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers to the final of the Europa League have been established.
Following the implementation of the new group stage format for the competition, which consisted of eight matches, all three teams were able to automatically qualify for the quarterfinals.
United finished in third place in the group stage, behind Lazio and Athletic Bilbao, after winning five of their eight matches. United was the only team through the group stage that did not suffer a loss.
Spurs were defeated by the Turkish giants Galatasaray, but they were able to recover and finish the group stage on a four-match unbeaten streak. They came out on top against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg in the final two rounds, which ensured that they would advance to the round of 16.
And Rangers were also able to advance despite the mounting pressure that was being placed on manager Philippe Clement. Rangers’ victory over Union SG at Ibrox on the final day of the season was sufficient to ensure that they advanced automatically.
When it comes to the draw for the round of 16, the format will be identical to the one used in the Champions League.
For the purpose of the draw, the eight teams that have already qualified for the tournament will be effectively divided into four distinct pairs: first and second, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth.
During the draw, each “pair” will only be able to be placed in one of two positions. This is done to ensure that they are placed on opposite sides and will not be able to face each other until the final.
Therefore, for example, if the team that finished in first place is drawn in the first match of the bracket, the team that finished in second place will be drawn in the eighth and final match of the bracket.
Every one of those eight teams has been seeded in the round of sixteen, and they will all play the first leg of their matches at their respective stadiums.
In the round of sixteen of the Europa League, Manchester United will face either Real Sociedad or AZ Alkmaar against their opponent.
They would then face either Frankfurt or Lyon, who finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the group stage, as well as FCSB or Ajax, in the quarterfinals. Frankfurt and Lyon played each other in the group stage.
The draw then opens up even further for the semi-finals, with Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Olympiakos, Rangers, Roma, Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, or Fenerbahce all being potential opponents. Fenerbahce is also a possibility.
However, Ruben Amorim’s team will not be required to face Tottenham until the final stage of the competition, in the event that both teams are able to advance to that degree of competition.
Due to the fact that Tottenham and United finished in fourth and third place, respectively, in the group stages, they are both included in the same draw’pairing’. This means that Tottenham’s path to the final is virtually identical to that of United’s.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, therefore, will still face Real Sociedad or AZ Alkmaar, but will take on the team that United aren’t drawn against in the quarter-finals of the competition. The process is the same for the semi-finals.
In the round of sixteen, Rangers will compete against the victor of either the Bodo/Glimt or Fenerbahce match, depending on which side of the bracket they are initially drawn into.
Athletic Bilbao or Lazio, Viktoria Plzen or Roma are the teams that Philippe Clement’s team could face if they advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.
In the semi-finals, the Scottish giants could then face another tie against Manchester United – having faced them at Old Trafford in the group stage.
Tottenham are also another possible opponent, along with any of Real Sociedad, Lyon, Frankfurt, FCSB, Ajax or AZ Alkmaar.
