The UEFA Europa League returns with the highly anticipated first legs of the Round of 16, featuring some of Europe’s finest clubs. As the competition intensifies, the stakes are high, with each team aiming to secure a crucial advantage heading into the second leg. Tonight’s fixtures promise plenty of drama, as traditional powerhouses and rising sides alike look to make their mark on the European stage. From Manchester United’s battle for redemption to Ajax’s quest for glory, all eyes will be on these pivotal matchups.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United – 18:45 (CET)
The clash between Real Sociedad and Manchester United is vital for both teams, but especially for United, who find themselves in a difficult spot this season. After being eliminated from all other competitions and sitting in a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League, the Europa League is now their only chance to salvage something from the campaign. Despite their struggles domestically, Manchester United is the only team in this season’s Europa League to remain unbeaten, having won all of their matches so far. Can they extend this perfect record tonight, or will Real Sociedad hand them their first defeat?
Under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have struggled to find form, with tactical issues and inconsistent performances. This match is a must-win for them to stay alive in Europe, but they face a tough test in the form of Real Sociedad.
The Basque side has been in excellent form this season, with their attacking play proving to be a real threat. Players like Mikel Oyarzabal will be key to breaking down United’s defense. It promises to be an exciting and crucial first leg encounter.
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur – 18:45 (CET)
Tottenham Hotspur head to Alkmaar for a crucial Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar. After early exits from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Tottenham sees this competition as their last chance for silverware this season. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, the team is still adjusting to his possession-based, attacking style. With Son Heung-min leading the attack, Spurs will rely heavily on his ability to break down the AZ defense.
AZ Alkmaar, unbeaten at home in the Europa League this season, has been in superb form, winning 10 of their last 11 matches. Managed by Marten Martens, the Dutch side is led by Troy Parrott, who has netted 17 goals this season. AZ will look to exploit their home advantage and take advantage of Spurs’ transition under Postecoglou.
The tactical clash between Postecoglou’s high-pressing Spurs and Martens’ well-organized Alkmaar promises an exciting contest. With Son Heung-min and Parrott as the key players, this first leg could come down to which team can impose their attacking style.
FCSB vs Olympique Lyonnais – 18:45 (CET)
FCSB, formerly Steaua Bucharest, impressed in the Europa League group stage, qualifying for the Round of 16 after eliminating PAOK with a 2-1 win away and a 2-0 home victory. Their European journey has solidified their reputation as serious contenders.
Olympique Lyonnais, under Paulo Fonseca, performed well in the Europa League earlier in the competition, players like Alexandre Lacazette will be key for Lyon in this tie.
The match will be held at Arena Națională in Bucharest, where FCSB has been tough to beat, winning their last three home matches.Both teams face significant absences, making this a crucial clash, with FCSB aiming to use home advantage and Lyon looking to continue their European momentum.
Fenerbahçe A.Ş. vs Glasgow Rangers – 18:45 (CET)
Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, is in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions, including a notable victory against Anderlecht. They see the Europa League as a potential route to the Champions League.
On the other hand, Glasgow Rangers, under interim manager Barry Ferguson following Philippe Clément’s departure, are going through a difficult period with inconsistent performances in the league. However, they have shown resilience in Europe, notably with a 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the play-offs, securing their place among the top eight teams of the tournament.
FK Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiakos – 21:00 (CET)
FK Bodø/Glimt, a rising force in Norway, made a statement in the Europa League with an impressive 5-2 victory at home against FC Twente last month. This win has allowed them to focus entirely on European competition after the Eliteserien ended in December.
However, Olympiakos, with their continental experience, poses a serious challenge.
Both teams are missing key players: Bodø/Glimt will be without Gaute Vetti, while Olympiakos will miss several important names, including Yusuf Yazıcı and Ayoub El Kaabi.
This match will be crucial for both teams as they look to maintain momentum in the competition.
AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao – 21:00 (CET)
AS Roma, under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri, host Athletic Bilbao at the Stadio Olimpico in the Europa League Round of 16. Ranieri, who returned to Roma in November 2024, has revitalized the team’s performance in the competition, leading them to an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak, including four consecutive victories.
Athletic Bilbao, managed by Ernesto Valverde, has been struggling recently. In their latest match on March 1, 2025, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid in La Liga, with Julian Alvarez scoring the decisive goal. This loss highlights their challenges in securing positive results.
Key players for Roma include Paulo Dybala, who has been instrumental in the attack, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is encouraged to play with confidence. For Bilbao, Oihan Sancet has been a standout performer this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. However, the team’s recent form has been inconsistent, and they will need to improve to compete effectively against Roma.
This matchup promises to be an intense, tactical battle, with Roma aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the Europa League under Ranieri, while Bilbao seeks to rebound from recent setbacks.
Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio – 21:00 (CET)
Viktoria Plzen will face Lazio in a crucial Europa League Round of 16 encounter, where home advantage will play a key role. Plzen’s record at home in recent Europa League campaigns has been impressive, with 10 wins, one draw, and just one loss in their last 12 home fixtures. The only victory over a Serie A club in recent memory came in the 2018/19 Champions League group stage, when they defeated Roma 2-1.
Lazio, managed by Marco Baroni, has been solid on the road this season, winning three of their last four away matches in the Europa League. However, their record in knockout rounds is less convincing, with just two wins, two draws, and nine losses from their last 13 attempts. Lazio’s European experience could be key in this fixture, but they will need to perform at their best against a team that has been strong at home.
Both teams are looking to take control in the first leg, with Viktoria Plzen relying on their disciplined defense and quick counter attacks, while Lazio will aim to use their tactical knowledge and attacking options to secure a crucial away win. This promises to be a highly competitive and closely fought match.
Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt – 21:00 (CET)
Ajax will face Eintracht Frankfurt at the iconic Johan Cruyff Arena in a highly anticipated Europa League Round of 16 match. The Dutch giants are in excellent form, having lost only one of their last eight matches, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise. Ajax has shown resilience, winning seven of those eight matches, proving both their attacking quality and tactical discipline. Ajax’s ability to press high and dominate possession makes them a formidable force in Europe, and they will look to carry that momentum into this clash.
On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt has faltered recently, winning just one of their last seven matches. Their only victory came against Holstein Kiel, a team fighting relegation in the German Bundesliga. Frankfurt’s recent struggles have raised concerns, as they are unable to find their rhythm or replicate their strong performances from earlier in the season.
With Ajax in great form and Frankfurt in a slump, the Dutch side will aim to capitalize on their superior performance, looking for a vital lead heading into the second leg. The match promises to be a tactical battle, with Ajax’s high press and quick transitions facing Frankfurt’s counter attacking style.
As the Europa League Round of 16 gets underway, tonight’s fixtures are set to deliver plenty of action and intrigue. With key players sidelined, new heroes are bound to emerge, and the competition’s intensity will only increase as the teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals. From Real Sociedad’s strategic attack to Fenerbahçe’s unbeaten streak, each match will provide a unique storyline. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and tonight’s encounters will lay the foundation for what promises to be an unforgettable European journey.
