The UEFA Europa League is back for the 2024/25 season, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation as 36 teams prepare to compete in the brand-new league phase. This year’s tournament promises high-octane football, surprise victories, and heartbreaking defeats, with clubs ranging from perennial European giants like Manchester United and AS Roma to determined underdogs such as Qarabağ and Bodø/Glimt. As fans across Europe settle in for what’s sure to be a captivating journey, one question looms: Who will rise above the competition and etch their name into European football history?
Europa League 2024/25
Meet the Teams in the 2024/25 Europa League
The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League features a wide array of clubs from across the continent, representing 23 different countries. The diversity of teams and playing styles ensures that every match offers something unique, whether it’s a high-scoring thriller or a tactical chess match. This year’s competition includes a mix of former champions, clubs with rich European traditions, and ambitious newcomers.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most exciting contenders:
- Manchester United (ENG) – A club with a deep European pedigree, Manchester United enters the competition as one of the heavyweights. Having lifted the Europa League trophy in 2017, United is determined to reclaim European glory. With a squad packed with world-class talent and a UEFA coefficient ranking of 14, they’ll be one of the favorites to go far in the tournament.
- Ajax (NED) – Few clubs have a European history as storied as Ajax. The Dutch giants have been a consistent force in continental football for decades, and while their recent campaigns have been focused on the Champions League, Ajax is always a team to watch in the Europa League. Their ability to develop young talent and blend it with experience makes them a formidable opponent.
- Roma (ITA) – Managed by the legendary player Daniele de Rossi, Roma was one of the standout performers in last year’s competition, reaching the semi-finals before falling to Bayer Leverkusen. With players like Paulo Dybala leading the charge, Roma is eager for another deep run and will have their sights set on lifting the trophy.
- Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) – One of the rising clubs in Belgian football, Union Saint-Gilloise has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. After impressing in their domestic league, they’re aiming to make an impact on the European stage, and their dynamic style of play could see them cause a few upsets.
These are just a few of the 36 teams competing this season, with other notable names including Porto, Rangers, Real Sociedad, and Tottenham. Each of these teams brings something different to the table, and with the Europa League’s unpredictable nature, any of them could go on a deep run.
UEFA Ranking | Club | Country
-------------|---------------------|--------
5 | Roma | ITA
12 | Porto | POR
14 | Man Utd | ENG
25 | Ajax | NED
28 | Rangers | SCO
29 | Real Sociedad | ESP
30 | Frankfurt | GER
31 | Lazio | ITA
34 | Slavia Praha | CZE
39 | AZ Alkmaar | NED
43 | Braga | POR
44 | Olympiacos | GRE
45 | Tottenham | ENG
47 | Fenerbahçe | TUR
49 | PAOK | GRE
51 | M. Tel-Aviv | ISR
54 | Qarabağ | AZE
55 | Ferencváros | HUN
57 | Bodø/Glimt | NOR
60 | Union SG | BEL
61 | Viktoria Plzeň | CZE
63 | Galatasaray | TUR
66 | Midtjylland | DEN
71 | Lyon | FRA
73 | Dynamo Kyiv | UKR
76 | Ludogorets | BUL
84 | Nice | FRA
98 | Hoffenheim | GER
93 | Athletic Club | ESP
N/A | Twente | NED
N/A | FCSB | ROU
N/A | Malmö | SWE
N/A | Beşiktaş | TUR
N/A | Anderlecht | BEL
N/A | RFS | LVA
N/A | Elfsborg | SWETeams to Watch: The Heavyweights and the Dark Horses
As with every Europa League season, there are clear favorites, but the beauty of this competition is that it often delivers unexpected results. Here’s a breakdown of the key contenders and the teams flying under the radar that could make a splash this year.
Manchester United: The Red Devils Return
With their rich history in European competitions, Manchester United enters the 2024/25 Europa League as one of the strongest teams. Having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, the Red Devils are hungry for success on the European stage. With a UEFA coefficient ranking of 14, they’re one of the highest-ranked teams in the competition.
United boasts a well-rounded squad featuring key players like Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez. Bruno is a creative force in midfield who can dictate the pace of a game with his vision and technical ability. Fernandes has been instrumental in United’s recent European and more successful domestic campaigns, and his leadership on the pitch will be crucial if the club is to lift the trophy again.
Quite an easy draw for Man Utd in the Europa League we’d say… pic.twitter.com/FYUvECltHM
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 30, 2024
Roma: Mourinho’s Quest for Silverware
Roma is another team with serious ambitions. Two seasons ago, they came agonizingly close to winning the Europa League final, only to fall short in the Final. This time around, Roma is determined to go one step further. With a UEFA coefficient ranking of 5, they’re the top seed in the competition.
Roma’s star player, Paulo Dybala, will be key to their success. The Argentine forward is a world-class talent who can change the course of a match with his skill and flair. In addition to Dybala, Roma’s squad is filled with experienced players who know how to navigate the knockout rounds of European competitions.
AS Roma will meet Tottenham as part of their Europa League campaign! pic.twitter.com/OtE3Yct1eG
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 30, 2024
Underdog Storylines: Qarabağ and Bodø/Glimt
While Manchester United and Roma are among the heavyweights, the Europa League is also famous for its underdog stories. This season, clubs like Qarabağ (Azerbaijan) and Bodø/Glimt (Norway) are primed to challenge the bigger names.
Qarabağ has made a habit of defying expectations in European competitions, often punching above their weight and securing surprising results. Their disciplined approach and strong defensive setup make them a tough opponent for any team.
Similarly, Bodø/Glimt has been on an incredible rise in recent years. The Norwegian club has shown that they can hold their own against Europe’s elite, famously smashing AS Roma in the 2021/22 Conference League. They’ll be hoping to build on that success and prove that they belong on the big stage.
Key Players to Watch
The UEFA Europa League is often a platform for emerging talents and seasoned stars to showcase their abilities. This season features some of Europe’s finest footballers, and these key players will be pivotal to their teams’ chances of success.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes is one of the most influential midfielders in European football. His creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a standout player in any match. Fernandes has been a driving force for Manchester United since his arrival, and his leadership will be vital in their quest for European silverware.
🚨 OFFICIAL 🚨
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 14, 2024
Bruno Fernandes is staying put! 🔴
Man United have secured their midfield maestro until at least 2027 ✍️
This is a massive W for the Red Devils! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Skvr7BEbaS
Paulo Dybala (Roma)
Paulo Dybala is a player who can make something happen out of nothing. His technical skills, dribbling, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Dybala has the ability to produce moments of magic that can turn the tide of a match, and Roma will rely on him to deliver in the big moments.
Nico Williams (Atletico Bilbao)
Nico Williams, the dynamic winger from Athletic Bilbao, is set to be a key player in this season’s Europa League. His explosive pace, dribbling skills, and creativity were on full display during Euro 2024, where he was instrumental for Spain. Williams’ ability to break down defenses, make incisive runs behind the backline, and deliver dangerous crosses made him a constant threat throughout the tournament. His performances demonstrated his maturity and growth, making him one of Spain’s standout young talents. In the Europa League, his direct style of play and versatility on either flank will be crucial for Bilbao, especially in counter-attacking situations where his speed can dismantle opposition defenses.
Diogo Costa (Porto)
Diogo Costa the brilliant Portuguese goalkeeper from FC Porto, was one of the most talked-about players at Euro 2024. Costa’s shot-stopping abilities, composure under pressure, and his leadership from the back were crucial to Portugal’s strong showing in the tournament. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves at key moments, including penalty stops, proved his value. In the Europa League, Costa’s presence between the posts will be vital for Porto, as his quick reflexes and excellent distribution will not only prevent goals but also start attacks from the back. He has emerged as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe, and his performances this season could be pivotal for Porto’s ambitions in the competition.
How the Europa League Works: Format and Structure
The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League has introduced a new format designed to streamline the competition and add more excitement to the group stage. Unlike previous seasons, there is now a single league phase, with all 36 teams competing in one group. This structure ensures that every match matters, and the stakes are high from the very beginning.
Here’s how it works:
- League Phase: All 36 teams play six matches in a Swiss-style league format, meaning they will face a variety of opponents rather than being confined to a single group.
- Knockout Round Play-Offs: After the league phase, the teams ranked 9th to 24th will enter a knockout round play-off, where they will face off for a place in the Round of 16.
- Round of 16: The top eight teams from the league phase will automatically advance to the Round of 16, while the winners of the knockout play-offs will join them.
From the Round of 16 onwards, the competition follows a traditional knockout format, with two-legged ties leading up to the final.
What’s at Stake for the 2024/25 Season?
The Europa League offers more than just a prestigious trophy for the winning team. The ultimate prize is a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, a competition that all European clubs aspire to be a part of. For some teams, like Manchester United, this offers a route back to Europe’s elite competition if they fail to qualify domestically.
For clubs like Roma, Tottenham, and Rangers, the Europa League represents a golden opportunity to secure Champions League football, and the financial rewards that come with it. Winning the Europa League can also boost a club’s UEFA coefficient ranking, which helps with future seedings in European competitions.
With a perfect blend of historic heavyweights and rising challengers, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent memory. Whether it’s a club like Manchester United reclaiming their place at the top of European football, or a lesser-known team like Bodø/Glimt continuing their underdog story, this season is poised to deliver memorable moments and unforgettable drama.
As the competition progresses, fans will be treated to a showcase of skill, determination, and passion from teams across the continent. Who will rise above the rest and lift the Europa League trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this season is going to be one to remember.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter
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