The UEFA Europa League 2024/25 round of 16 draw has set up a series of thrilling encounters, with European heavyweights preparing for decisive clashes.
Manchester United are set to take on familiar rivals Real Sociedad, while Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. AS Roma, led by Daniele De Rossi, face a challenging tie against final hosts Athletic Club, as clubs across the continent aim to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
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Manchester United Reunite with Real Sociedad
Manchester United’s meeting with Real Sociedad marks the third time the two sides will face each other in European competition in recent years. Their last encounter came during the 2022 Europa League group stage, where both clubs exchanged narrow wins. A year prior, United convincingly overcame the Spanish outfit 4-0 on aggregate in the knockout phase.
United’s journey, should they advance, will pit them against the winner of the Lyon vs. FCSB tie in the semifinals. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, United aim to capitalize on their recent European experience and push deep into the tournament.
Sporting director Amorim, when asked about his club’s European ambitions, remained pragmatic: “I just want to win everything. I want to be really, really clear on that. I think we are in a difficult situation in the Premier League, we have a lot of issues to solve in every game. If you see our performances, if I focus on the games against Real Sociedad and think about trophies, it is not the right way to do my job in the moment. So I just focus and I want to win against [Saturday’s opponents] Everton.”
His comments underscore the balancing act clubs face between domestic pressures and European aspirations.
Tottenham Hotspur Reacquainted with AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham Hotspur’s draw sees them revisit AZ Alkmaar, whom they narrowly defeated 1-0 in the group phase earlier this campaign. This rematch promises intensity, with both teams eager to book a spot in the final eight.
For Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, European competition remains a significant priority: “Europe’s always been at the forefront of our minds and we did really well and we saw how important it was that we did finish in the top eight, even finishing in the top four. It’s important, but [we are] not dismissive of the league either. There’s still 12-13 games to go and from our perspective we’re not happy with where we are.”
The winner of this clash will advance to face either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the semifinals, setting the stage for potential domestic or European rivalries to reignite.
Roma Square Off Against Final Hosts Athletic Club
AS Roma’s tie with Athletic Club adds an intriguing dimension, given that the Basque side will host the Europa League final this season. Roma, runners-up in the 2022/23 edition, seek redemption and another shot at continental glory.
Athletic Club’s strong record at home poses a formidable challenge, but Roma’s European pedigree cannot be underestimated. With experienced players and a tactical approach under De Rossi, the Italian side will look to silence the passionate San Mamés crowd.
Other Notable Fixtures
Elsewhere, Scottish giants Rangers face a stern test against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, while Ajax’s duel with Eintracht Frankfurt promises a clash of contrasting styles. The tournament’s knockout phase promises drama, with every fixture holding significant implications.
Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Draw
First Legs – Thursday, 6 March 2025
(18:45 CET = 23:15 IST)
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham – 23:15 IST
- FCSB vs Lyon – 23:15 IST
- Fenerbahçe vs Rangers – 23:15 IST
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United – 23:15 IST
(21:00 CET = 01:30 IST, Friday, 7 March)
- Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt – 01:30 IST (7 March)
- Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiacos – 01:30 IST (7 March)
- Roma vs Athletic Club – 01:30 IST (7 March)
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio – 01:30 IST (7 March)
Second Legs – Thursday, 13 March 2025
(18:45 CET = 23:15 IST)
- Athletic Club vs Roma – 23:15 IST
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax – 23:15 IST
- Lazio vs Viktoria Plzeň – 23:15 IST
- Olympiacos vs Bodø/Glimt – 23:15 IST
(21:00 CET = 01:30 IST, Friday, 14 March)
- Lyon vs FCSB – 01:30 IST (14 March)
- Manchester United vs Real Sociedad – 01:30 IST (14 March)
- Rangers vs Fenerbahçe – 01:30 IST (14 March)
- Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar – 01:30 IST (14 March)
Path to the Final
The Europa League knockout stage is set with exciting quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, offering thrilling prospects for all remaining clubs.
Quarterfinal Draw:
- Bodø/Glimt (NOR)/Olympiacos (GRE) vs Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)/Lazio (ITA)
- AZ Alkmaar (NED)/Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) vs Ajax (NED)/Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
- Fenerbahçe (TUR)/Rangers (SCO) vs Roma (ITA)/Athletic Club (ESP) *
- FCSB (ROU)/Lyon (FRA) vs Real Sociedad (ESP)/Manchester United (ENG)
Note: Roma’s potential home fixture in the quarterfinals may be rescheduled if required.
The quarterfinal ties are scheduled for 10 and 17 April 2025.
Semifinal Draw:
- AZ Alkmaar/Tottenham Hotspur/Ajax/Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bodø/Glimt/Olympiacos/Viktoria Plzeň/Lazio
- Fenerbahçe/Rangers/Roma/Athletic Club vs FCSB/Lyon/Real Sociedad/Manchester United
Semifinal clashes will take place on 1 and 8 May 2025.
Final:
For administrative purposes, the winners of Semifinal 1 will be designated as the “home” team in the Europa League final, set to be held at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium on 21 May 2025.
FAQs
When will the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 round of 16 matches take place?
The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for 6 March 2025, with the second legs on 13 March 2025. Matches will kick off at 23:15 IST and 01:30 IST (next day).
Which teams will face each other in the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 round of 16?
Key fixtures include Real Sociedad vs Manchester United, AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur, Roma vs Athletic Club, and Fenerbahçe vs Rangers.
When and where is the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 final?
The final is set for 21 May 2025 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
What are the potential semifinal matchups in the Europa League 2024/25?
Winners of AZ Alkmaar/Tottenham vs Ajax/Frankfurt could face Bodø/Glimt/Olympiacos/Viktoria Plzeň/Lazio, while Fenerbahçe/Rangers/Roma/Athletic Club may meet FCSB/Lyon/Real Sociedad/Manchester United in the semis.
How did managers react to the Europa League round of 16 draw?
Rúben Amorim emphasized focusing on the Premier League, while Ange Postecoglou highlighted the importance of European success alongside domestic commitments.
