The Europa League wrapped up its latest cycle at the end of January with the conclusion of the eighth and final round of the league phase, marking the first season under the new format. Following the completion of the group stage, the playoff matchups were drawn, with teams finishing between 9th and 24th place now facing two additional matches to secure a spot in the Round of 16. While the tournament may not have delivered as many surprises as the Champions League, football fans still enjoyed a thrilling competition this autumn, filled with exciting matches and intense rivalries. Many bettors following the competition through Merkur XTip also found plenty of opportunities to engage with the action, as the new format made the group stage more unpredictable than ever before.
Lazio and Athletic Bilbao Lead the Standings
Looking at the final table after eight rounds, Lazio and Athletic Bilbao sit at the top two spots. These two teams have been among the most impressive so far, securing six wins, one draw, and suffering just one defeat. Both sides are also performing exceptionally well in their domestic leagues, positioning themselves as strong contenders in their respective championships. The real challenge now will be maintaining their form as they prepare for the knockout phase and the demanding schedule of the spring season.
Manchester United and Tottenham Impress in Europa League
Manchester United finished in third place—a surprising outcome for some, given the team’s performances and struggles this season. With their domestic campaign far from ideal, new manager Rúben Amorim has been trying to implement his style of play with a squad he did not assemble.
The results have been inconsistent, but the Europa League appears to suit United this season. They are the only team to go unbeaten in the group stage, recording five wins and three draws—something that sports betting platforms have certainly taken note of. If United can stabilize their performances and show consistency in key matches, they could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the title.
Another English side, Tottenham, secured fourth place, despite facing more challenges than United. Spurs have been struggling even more in the Premier League, but in the Europa League, they managed to finish among the top eight, avoiding the extra two playoff matches—an advantage that will be crucial for a squad plagued by injuries. Manager Ange Postecoglou has faced difficulties implementing his system due to the lack of available players, but the club’s management continues to back him, recognizing that injuries have significantly impacted the team’s potential this season.
Lyon Also Advances Directly to the Next Round
Among the remaining teams in the top eight, Eintracht Frankfurt secured fifth place, followed by French side Lyon in sixth. This result for Lyon is not surprising, as French clubs have shown great quality in European competitions this year, particularly in the Champions League.
Olympiacos finished seventh, while Rangers claimed the eighth and final direct qualification spot. Interestingly, Rangers were the first of four teams to finish with 14 points, securing their place in the next round thanks to a superior goal difference. The three other teams with 14 points—Bodø/Glimt, Anderlecht, and FCSB—will have to battle through the playoffs.
Europa League Playoff Matchups
The most anticipated playoff clash will be Porto vs. Roma, as the Italian club looks to salvage an otherwise disappointing season through European competition. However, they face a tough opponent in Porto, making this a high-stakes showdown. It remains to be seen how well Claudio Ranieri can prepare his team for this crucial two-legged tie.
Another intriguing matchup will see Fenerbahçe take on Anderlecht, promising an exciting battle between two well-matched sides.
Other playoff fixtures include:
- Ferencváros vs. Viktoria Plzeň
- Twente vs. Bodø/Glimt
- Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Ajax – The Dutch side failed to secure a top-eight finish and will now have to overcome the Belgian club to reach the Round of 16.
- AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
- Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
- PAOK vs. FCSB – A matchup that will attract both football fans and betting enthusiasts, as the stakes are high for both teams.
With such competitive fixtures lined up, the Europa League promises more thrilling moments as teams fight for a place in the next round. The new format has added an extra layer of excitement, making this season particularly engaging for both fans and bettors alike.
