The UEFA Europa League 2025 knockout phase
The UEFA Europa League 2025 knockout phase is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with the playoff draw delivering several high-profile matchups. Eight teams have already secured a place in the Round of 16, while 16 others will battle in the playoff round to claim the remaining spots.
The draw has set up some exciting fixtures, including two-time Europa League winners FC Porto facing AS Roma, while Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce takes on Belgian giants Anderlecht. Elsewhere, Ajax meets Union Saint-Gilloise in a clash between a historic European club and one of the competition’s rising teams.
Let’s break down the key matchups, potential Round of 16 ties, and the road to the Europa League final.
Blockbuster Playoff Matchups Set the Stage for Knockouts
The knockout playoff round will see teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the league phase battle over two legs for a place in the Round of 16. The top eight teams, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Lyon, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Olympiacos, have already secured automatic progression.
These two-legged ties will take place on February 13 (first leg) and February 20 (second leg).
Here’s the full list of Europa League 2025 playoff fixtures:
✅ FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt
✅ Union SG vs. Ajax Amsterdam
✅ AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
✅ Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
✅ Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht
✅ PAOK vs. Steaua Bucharest
✅ Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
✅ FC Porto vs. AS Roma
Each of these fixtures presents unique challenges, with former European champions, domestic league leaders, and surprise contenders all vying for progression.
FC Porto vs. AS Roma: Two European Powerhouses Collide
One of the standout ties in the playoff round sees two-time Europa League winners FC Porto take on AS Roma, who have twice finished as runners-up in this competition.
The last time these two teams met in a European knockout stage was in the Champions League Round of 16 in 2019, where Porto emerged victorious over two legs. Now, they meet again in a battle between two clubs with strong European pedigrees.
With Porto’s experience in continental competitions and Roma’s attacking prowess, this is set to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoff round.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce Faces Tough Test Against Anderlecht
Jose Mourinho, one of the most successful managers in European football, has another challenge ahead as his Fenerbahce side faces Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht.
Fenerbahce narrowly made it through the league phase, finishing 24th, which was the last qualification spot. They now face a well-organized Anderlecht team, which has historically been a strong contender in European tournaments.
Mourinho will be hoping to add another European trophy to his illustrious career, but his side will need to overcome a tactically disciplined Belgian team to keep their hopes alive.
Ajax vs. Union SG: A Clash of Historic & Rising Clubs
Ajax Amsterdam, winners of the Europa League in 1992, take on Union Saint-Gilloise, one of Belgium’s fastest-rising clubs.
While Ajax brings decades of European history and tradition, Union SG has been making waves in European competitions over the past few seasons. This matchup presents an intriguing contrast between a historical giant and a modern-day underdog looking to cause an upset.
With both teams favoring fast, attacking football, this could be one of the most entertaining ties in the playoff round.
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Potential Round-of-16 Ties: Who Faces Who?
With eight teams already qualified for the Round of 16, the winners of the playoff ties will be drawn into specific matchups. The draw ensures that teams finishing 3rd to 8th cannot face each other before the semifinals.
Here’s how the potential Round of 16 matchups could shape up:
Confirmed Last-16 Teams
✅ Manchester United
✅ Tottenham Hotspur
✅ Rangers
✅ Lazio
✅ Athletic Bilbao
✅ Lyon
✅ Eintracht Frankfurt
✅ Olympiacos
Possible Round of 16 Fixtures
The winners of the following playoff ties will be drawn against the automatically qualified teams:
- Manchester United or Tottenham could face AZ Alkmaar/Galatasaray or Midtjylland/Real Sociedad.
- Lazio or Athletic Bilbao will face Ferencvaros/Viktoria Plzen or Porto/Roma.
- Eintracht Frankfurt or Lyon could meet Union SG/Ajax or PAOK/FCSB.
- Olympiacos or Rangers will take on Twente/Bodo/Glimt or Fenerbahce/Anderlecht.
The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 21, after the completion of the playoff round.
Key Dates & Next Steps in the Europa League Knockout Phase
With the playoff round set, here are the important dates leading up to the Europa League final:
🗓 Playoff Round First Leg – February 13, 2025
🗓 Playoff Round Second Leg – February 20, 2025
🗓 Round of 16 Draw – February 21, 2025
🗓 Round of 16 First Leg – March 6, 2025
🗓 Round of 16 Second Leg – March 13, 2025
Unlike previous years, the Europa League bracket is now set all the way to the final. That means teams will know their quarterfinal and semifinal paths after the Round of 16 draw.
Final Thoughts
The Europa League 2025 knockout phase is shaping up to be an exciting battle between European giants, rising contenders, and legendary managers.
With matches like Porto vs. Roma, Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht, and Ajax vs. Union SG, the playoff round promises high drama and intense competition.
As teams fight for a spot in the Round of 16, fans can expect thrilling football, tactical battles, and standout individual performances.
Which teams will advance? Stay tuned for match previews, expert analysis, and full Europa League coverage!
