The UEFA Europa League returns for its highly anticipated last-16 stage, where several big clubs aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals. With top-tier teams like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Fenerbahçe, and Roma all involved, this stage of the competition promises exciting, high-stakes encounters. As clubs from across Europe compete for continental glory, here’s a look at the key matchups and what to expect from these crucial fixtures:
Fenerbahçe v Rangers
Fenerbahçe’s recent form has been impressive, stretching their unbeaten streak to 18 matches following a dominant 3-0 win over Antalyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. The Yellow Canaries will face Rangers in the Europa league, with manager José Mourinho hoping to maintain their strong home form, having won eight of their last nine matches at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
However, Mourinho’s side will be without two key players for the second leg: midfielder Fred, who is suspended, and wing-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is injured. Additionally, new signing Diego Carlos remains sidelined, though Milan Skriniar, another recent arrival, will team up with Caglar Soyuncu and rising star Yusuf Akcicek in defence.
AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham
AZ Alkmaar will host Tottenham Hotspur in a highly anticipated Europa League clash. The two teams have already met in the group stage, where Spurs secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half penalty from Richarlison. AZ Alkmaar has been in impressive form, winning 10 of their last 11 home games, but they will be without Sven Mijnans for the return leg, and Ruben van Bommel is a doubt.
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Tottenham, however, will travel without several key players, including Dejan Kulusevski, who is sidelined with a foot injury. Richarlison and Radu Dragusin will also miss out, but Spurs will be boosted by the return of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Dominic Solanke to the matchday squad.
Real Sociedad v Manchester United
Real Sociedad will host Manchester United in a crucial first-leg tie, but their preparation has been far from ideal following a heavy 4-0 loss to Barcelona, where they failed to register a single shot. Despite this, the Spanish side has been strong at home, winning 11 of their last 14 matches at the Anoeta Stadium. United, who suffered a disappointing FA Cup exit against Fulham, will be looking for a strong performance to keep their hopes of silverware alive this season.
United’s injury woes continue, with Harry Maguire forced off during the loss to Fulham and Lisandro Martínez, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw all unavailable for this tie. The Europa League represents their last chance at silverware, making this match a must-win. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will be keen to bounce back from their recent setbacks, with Nayef Aguerd and Takefusa Kubo expected to return to the starting lineup.
FCSB v Lyon
Lyon are the favourites in their last-16 tie against FCSB, but the Romanian side should not be underestimated. FCSB have been impressive at home, losing just one of their last 16 home games, and they have shown resilience in the competition. Lyon, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, winning just two of their last eight away matches.
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FCSB will be aiming to capitalize on Lyon’s away form and cause an upset, but they will need to find a way to overcome a Lyon side with more experience at this stage of the competition. It promises to be an exciting clash between two sides with differing fortunes this season.
Roma v Athletic Club
Roma and Athletic Club face off in a high-profile match between two of the Europa League’s heavyweights. Roma, in excellent form, have won 10 of their last 11 home games, and they are in strong contention to progress past the round of 16. They will be without central midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is suspended, but Claudio Ranieri has more than enough quality in his squad to cover the gap.
Athletic Club, however, are no strangers to European competition, and they will pose a tough challenge for Roma. With both sides in strong form, this encounter is expected to be one of the most competitive of the round.
Ajax v Eintracht Frankfurt
Ajax will host Eintracht Frankfurt in what promises to be a thrilling tie. Ajax narrowly advanced through the playoff round, overcoming Union Saint-Gilloise 3-2 on aggregate, with a penalty from Kenneth Taylor proving crucial. However, Ajax will be without Davy Klaassen, who was sent off in the previous round, and they will need to find a way to overcome a strong Eintracht Frankfurt team.
The German side has been solid in European competition this season, and Frankfurt will be looking to make their mark in this round. Ajax, who will miss key players such as Wout Weghorst and Christian Rasmussen, will rely on Brian Brobbey to lead the charge up front.
Bodø/Glimt v Olympiakos
Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian champions, are entering the Europa League after a break in the domestic season. This break has allowed them to focus their attention fully on the competition, and they have shown impressive form in recent rounds. They will face Olympiakos, who have been solid in European competition, and the match promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams eager to progress.
While Bodø/Glimt’s lack of match fitness may be a concern, their solid playoff win over Twente has shown their potential. Olympiakos will be looking to exploit any rustiness in the Norwegian side’s game and push for an advantage in the first leg.
Viktoria Plzen v Lazio
Viktoria Plzen will look to continue their impressive European form when they face Lazio in the last-16 stage. Plzen have been strong at home, with just two losses all season, while Lazio will be looking to advance after knocking out Ferencvaros in the previous round. The Czech side will be keen to continue their good form and make a statement against the Italian giants. Lazio will need to be at their best to ensure they take an advantage into the second leg.
As these exciting last-16 matchups unfold, the battle for a place in the quarter-finals intensifies. Expect high drama, fierce competition, and some shocking moments as these teams fight for European glory.
