The UEFA Europa League is set for its eagerly anticipated round-of-16 draw, taking place on February 21, 2025, at 7 a.m. ET / midday GMT. This year’s competition has reached this exciting knockout phase, drawing significant attention as teams prepare for matchups leading toward the finals.
Currently, the teams competing for advancement to the quarter-finals include those who finished atop the league phase standings, as well as those who fought through challenging knockout playoffs. Among the top eight clubs directly advancing to the round of 16 are well-known names like Lazio, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to UEFA sources, “the round-of-16 draw takes place at the House of European Football located in Nyon, Switzerland. During this event, not only will the matchups for the round of 16 be determined, but the order for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will also be finalized.” This means the tournament bracket will be considerably established following the draw, affecting the subsequent stages.
The complete list of clubs participating in the round of 16 includes Ajax Amsterdam, AS Roma, Athletic Club, AZ Alkmaar, Bodo/Glimt, Eintracht Frankfurt, FCSB, Fenerbahce, Lazio, Lyon, Manchester United, Olympiacos, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Tottenham Hotspur, and Viktoria Plzen, with the knockout playoff teams including those who finished from ninth to 24th during the league phase.
Teams like Manchester United and Tottenham finished third and fourth respectively, which means they will have specific restrictions on whom they can face. The newly structured format of the tournament limits their matchups to specific lower-ranked clubs, allowing for fewer surprises.
For example, Manchester United and Tottenham can only play teams from lower ends of the standings, namely Real Sociedad or AZ Alkmaar. The initial draw will determine who plays first and who gets the return match at home. The first team drawn will be positioned on one half of the knockout bracket, impacting potential matchups later on.
The teams already placed at the top of the bracket will be aiming for favorable positions and advantageous matchups as the draw reveals their paths forward. It is worth noting there are no geographical restrictions this year, meaning clubs from the same country may face each other, which raises the prospect of exciting matchups like the potential Rome derby between Lazio and AS Roma.
The matches will kick off on March 6 for the first leg, followed by the second leg on March 13. Each club will play once on Tuesday and once on Wednesday. After the round of 16, the quarter-finals will follow on April 10 and April 17, and the semi-finals are slated for May 1 and May 8. The final will take place at San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, on May 21, 2025.
Key to the draw is the format: the top eight teams are seeded and will host the second leg of their ties. This structure rewards higher-performing teams during the league phase and aims to provide fairness and clarity to the competition as it progresses.
With the playoffs concluding soon, anticipation builds as fans await the draw, where clubs will learn who they face and what lies ahead. The knockout stage is where excitement typically peaks, and this season appears no different.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the draw for the round of 16, eager to dissect the potential matchups and speculate on who might progress through the tournament. With every match carrying the potential for drama and surprises, the Europa League’s knockout round promises to deliver gripping football.
For those following the competition, the draw can be streamed live, with updates available across various sports news outlets. The conclusion of the draw will not only set the stage for upcoming matches but also influence the dynamics of the quarter-finals and semi-finals of this prestigious tournament.
Once the final bracket is determined, clubs will be tasked with preparing for their respective opponents, emphasizing the importance of strategy and adaptability as they march toward the coveted title.