Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have secured their spots in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 after sealing victories in their final league-phase matches. United edged past FCSB 2-0 in Romania, thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo, while Spurs cruised to a comfortable home win against Swedish side IF Elfsborg, with academy stars Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi, and Mikey Moore finding the net.
Who’s Next? Potentially Tricky Opponents Await
Both Premier League giants finished 3rd and 4th in the final standings, meaning they bypass the play-off round and go straight into March’s last-16. However, their reward isn’t exactly an easy ride. They could face any of the four teams currently battling in the play-offs:
• Real Sociedad
• Galatasaray
• FC Midtjylland
• AZ Alkmaar
Ironically, had United and Spurs lost their final league games, they might have ended up with theoretically easier opponents. Instead, they now risk drawing two of the toughest teams left in the tournament—Real Sociedad and Galatasaray.
Europa League Playoff & Knockout Fixtures
The Europa League play-off round takes place in February, narrowing down the field for the Round of 16. The draw for the last-16 will be held on Friday, determining who United and Spurs will face.
Key Fixtures: Playoff Round
• Real Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland
• Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland
• Roma vs Ferencvaros or Porto
• Ajax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK
• Bodo/Glimt vs Twente or Fenerbahce
• Anderlecht vs Twente or Fenerbahce
Last-16 Fixtures (March 2025)
• Manchester United vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar
• Tottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar
• Rangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce
• Lazio vs Roma or Porto or Plzen or Ferencvaros
• Athletic Bilbao vs Roma or Porto or Plzen or Ferencvaros
• Frankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK
• Lyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK
• Olympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce
What’s Next?
United and Spurs will have to wait for the play-offs to conclude before knowing their next opponents. Both teams remain strong contenders for Europa League glory, but tougher challenges lie ahead. Could we see an all-English final? Let us know your predictions!
