The stage is set for an electrifying UEFA Europa League Round of 16, with Manchester United facing a formidable test against Spain’s Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, and Scottish giants Rangers brace for a clash with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in a high-stakes encounter.
A Familiar Foe for United
Manchester United’s draw against Real Sociedad brings back memories of past European encounters. The two sides last met in the group stage of the 2022/23 Europa League, where both secured narrow wins over each other. Now, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Erik ten Hag’s men will need to navigate a tricky away fixture in Spain before welcoming Sociedad to Old Trafford for the return leg.
Should United emerge victorious, they will face either Romanian league leaders FCSB or French side Lyon in the quarter-finals—a potential challenge that could shape their path to the final.
Spurs and Rangers Brace for Tough Battles
Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, will have their work cut out against AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch outfit, known for their attacking flair and disciplined structure, will host Spurs in the first leg before traveling to North London for what promises to be a thrilling decider.
Rangers, on the other hand, face a daunting trip to Turkey, where Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce await. With the Portuguese tactician’s reputation for excelling in European knockout competitions, the Scottish champions will need to be at their best to overcome a team bolstered by star talent and tactical expertise.
Full Europa League Last-16 Fixtures
- Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiakos
- Fenerbahce vs Rangers
- Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- FCSB vs Lyon
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio
The first legs of the Round of 16 ties will take place on Thursday, March 6, with the return fixtures scheduled for Thursday, March 13.
The Road to Dublin
With the final set to be held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on May 22, the remaining clubs will see this as a golden opportunity to make their mark on European football. For Manchester United, a triumph in the Europa League could provide both silverware and a crucial Champions League qualification spot. Tottenham and Rangers, too, will be eager to prove their mettle on the continental stage. With high-stakes clashes, tactical battles, and potential upsets looming, the Europa League is once again proving why it remains one of the most thrilling competitions in European football. Let the knockout drama begin!
