Skip to main content

Europa League draw delivers high-stakes clashes in the Round of 16

Written by Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.
, | Updated: February 21, 2025
« Champions League Round of 16 draw sets up Madrid derby and Liverpool

    Key Takeaways:

  • The Europa League will have a new champion, as titleholders Atalanta were eliminated in the Champions League playoffs
  • Standout fixtures include Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United, Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao, and Ajax vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
  • The final will take place on 21 May at San Mamés in Bilbao

The draw for the Europa League Round of 16 has delivered several intriguing fixtures, ensuring high drama in the competition. With last season’s winners Atalanta having played in the Champions League, where they were eliminated in the playoff round, the tournament is guaranteed to crown a new champion.

Manchester United, one of the favorites, faces Real Sociedad at a time when the English club is struggling with form. The two teams have a history in European competition, having met in the 2013/14 Champions League group stage, where United won 1-0 before a goalless draw in the return leg. They also clashed in the 2021 Europa League knockout round, where the Red Devils dominated with a 4-0 victory in Spain before another 0-0 result at Old Trafford. A year later, they met again in the Europa League, exchanging narrow wins. In some of the other high-profile clashes Roma will face Athletic Bilbao, and Ajax will battle Eintracht Frankfurt.

The first legs of the Round of 16 will take place on 6 March, with the return fixtures scheduled for 13 March. The final is set for 21 May at San Mamés in Bilbao. However, due to the draw, an all-Basque final is not possible, as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad could face each other in the semi-finals.

SportingPedia covers the latest news and predictions in the sports industry. Here you can also find extensive guides for betting on Soccer, NFL, NBA, NHL, Tennis, Horses as well as reviews of the most trusted betting sites.

 Author: Paul Kemp

Related News

  • Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Donny van de Beek from Manchester United on loan in January Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is on the brink of a move to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The Dutch international, who joined United in September 2020 for £35 million, is set to undergo medical tests as part of his imminent transfer within the next 24 hours. The proposed deal involves a loan arrangement […]
  • Tottenham to sign Timo Werner Timo Werner is close to returning to the Premier League. Fabrizio Romano reports that Tottenham is extremely close to signing the German player and has already reached an agreement with his club RB Leipzig. Werner will initially move on loan, with a non-mandatory buy option inserted in the contract, which is believed to be set […]
  • Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season Today, 26th of January 2024 is not a good day for Liverpool fans around the world. In a shocking revelation for the club’s internet page, the German manager confesed that he will be leaving the position at the end of the current season. Klopp was appointed as the Reds’ head coach in 2015, inheriting the […]
  • Postecoglou confirms Tottenham will be without Porro and Udogie for the Wolves clash at the weekend Tottenham Hotspur is currently facing challenges with injuries among its key players. Manager Ange Postecoglou provided an update on the team’s condition, revealing that Pedro Porro, the Spurs’ starting right-back, has suffered a strain in training and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks. Destiny Udogie, Porro’s colleague on the left part […]
  • McDonald’s to become major sponsor in France, Ligue 1 to be named after the company In a marketing move, the fast-food chain McDonald’s has secured the naming rights for France’s premier football league. The deal signals the end of the “Ligue 1 Uber Eats” era. From the 2024/25 season onwards the French league will be known as “Ligue 1 McDonald’s.” The new partnership, valued at €20 million per year, is […]
»