February 13th 2025.
As the Europa League last-16 phase draws near, the teams of Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers are all keeping a watchful eye on the upcoming play-offs. Thanks to their impressive performances in the league phase, all three teams have managed to secure top eight spots, avoiding the added pressure of a two-legged tie this month.
United finished in third place with 18 points, while Tottenham secured fourth place with 17 points from their eight league games. Rangers, on the other hand, were on the verge of facing the play-offs, but a crucial 2-1 victory over Union St.Gilloise secured them an eighth-place finish in the league.
With the first legs of the play-offs already completed, United, Spurs, and Rangers now have a clearer idea of who their potential opponents could be in the knockout phase. Once the second legs are played next Thursday, a draw will determine which side of the bracket each team will be on for the remainder of the tournament, giving them a clear path to the final.
Manchester United, who finished third in the Europa League table, will face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland. AZ Alkmaar are currently in the lead to reach the last-16 stage after a convincing 4-1 win over Galatasaray, while Real Sociedad secured a 2-1 victory over FC Midtjylland.
Tottenham, who are paired with Manchester United in the tournament bracket, will also face one of the same four teams. This means that Mathys Tel could play a crucial role in Spurs' Europa League campaign.
As for Rangers, they will face one of Bodo/Glimt, FC Twente, Fenerbahce, or Anderlecht. Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are likely to reach the last-16 stage after a convincing 3-0 win over Anderlecht in the first leg. Meanwhile, FC Twente secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in injury time.
The draw for the Europa League knockout phase play-offs will take place on February 21 at 12pm GMT. It will be streamed live on UEFA's website and official YouTube channel, as well as on TNT Sports. The first legs of the last-16 matches will be played on March 6, with the return legs taking place the following week on March 13. It's an exciting time for these teams as they eagerly await their next opponents and continue their journey towards the Europa League final.
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