Page 73 - Soccer360 Issue 107

ABOVE:
The Manchester United manager will be hoping to bring European silverware to Old Trafford this season
LEFT:
Bilbao will host the Europa League final
2024/25
KEY DATES
LEAGUE PHASE
Draw Date
August 30
Matchday 1
Sept 25-26
Matchday 2
October 3
Matchday 3
October 24
Matchday 4
November 7
Matchday 5
November 28
Matchday 6
December 12
Matchday 7
January 23
Matchday 8
January 30
Play offs Draw January 31
Play offs
February 13 & February 20
Draw Date for Remaining Rounds February 21
Round of 16
March 6 & March 13
Quarter Finals
April 10 & April 17
Semi-Finals
May 1 & May 8
Final
KNOCKOUT
ROUNDS
May 21, 2025
‘THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE THIS SEASON
WILL BE
EXCEPTIONALLY
HIGH’
dropped from the Champions League and then won the Europa League - Sevilla and Atlético Madrid being the only examples in the last 10 years. That means it is possible to make a potentially more successful prediction at this stage as to who will lift the trophy in Bilbao next May.
The favourites will be those clubs who have already earned a league phase berth. With Manchester United, Tottenham, Lazio, Roma, and Real Sociedad all waiting to see who gets through the qualifying rounds, the level of competition in the Europa League this season will be exceptionally high. There is also the possibility that we see another team playing at home in the final, with Athletic Club earning their place by famously winning last season’s Copa del Rey. Spanish clubs have dominated the Europa League in the last 10 years or so after all, with Sevilla claiming the lion’s share of titles. La Liga may well have some representation in the latter rounds this season as well, but it is difficult to look past the two Premier League sides for an eventual champion, especially if they take the competition seriously.
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