The draw for the knockout playoff round of the revamped UEFA Europa League has set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the tournament. Understanding the structure and the teams involved is essential as we navigate the competitive landscape of European football.

Knockout Round Overview

The playoff draw took place on January 31, featuring 16 teams that finished between 9th and 24th in their respective groups. This draw determines the matchups for the knockout playoff round, wherein teams like FC Twente, Union St.-Gilloise, and more are ready to battle for a place in the Round of 16.

Matchups:

• FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt
• Union St.-Gilloise vs. Ajax Amsterdam
• AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
• Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
• FC Porto vs. AS Roma
• FC Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
• PAOK Salonika vs. FCSB
• Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht

Dates to Remember

• First Legs: February 13, 2025
• Second Legs: February 20, 2025

Focus on Top Clubs

For the teams that finished in the top eight, including established clubs such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, they are currently waiting to see who emerges victorious from the knockout playoff ties. Their potential opponents are set to include teams like Real Sociedad and Galatasaray.

Potential Round of 16 Matches

• Lazio or Athletic Club x Winners of:
  • Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
  • FC Porto vs. AS Roma
• Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur x Winners of:
  • AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
  • FC Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
• Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon x Winners of:
  • Union St.-Gilloise vs. Ajax Amsterdam
  • PAOK vs. FCSB
• Olympiacos or Rangers x Winners of:
  • FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt
  • Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht

Upcoming Draws

The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 21, 2025, allowing the remaining teams to understand their path moving toward the semifinals. After the Round of 16, an additional draw will decide home advantages for the quarterfinals and semifinals.

Team Compatibility and Changes

One notable aspect of this tournament format is that there is no country protection post-knockout, meaning clubs from the same league can encounter one another. Furthermore, clubs are allowed to make adjustments to their squads, enabling January signings to participate with prior registrations concluding on February 6.

Conclusion

As the UEFA Europa League knockout stages approach, the anticipation for thrilling matches grows. The results of these upcoming fixtures will have significant implications for clubs aiming for European glory. Clubs finishing high in their league positions gain advantages, setting the stage for an epic tournament showdown.

Stay tuned as we approach these important dates in the football calendar!