UEFA Europa League Group Stage Finale: New Format and Matches
The UEFA Europa League Group Stage concludes on January 30, marking a significant milestone in European football’s secondary club competition.
New Competition Format
The 2024-25 season brings revolutionary changes to the UEFA Europa League structure. In its 54th season, the tournament introduces a 36-team league phase, replacing the traditional 32-team group stage. This expansion increases the total match count from 141 to 189, excluding qualifying rounds.
A notable change in the format prevents teams from transferring between the Champions League and Europa League during knockout phases. Additionally, Europa League winners can no longer defend their title, as they automatically qualify for the Champions League league phase.
Final Destination and Rewards
The culminating match will take place at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21, 2025. The tournament victors secure automatic qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase and earn the right to compete in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners.
Eighth Round Matchups
All matches commence simultaneously at 00:00. Key fixtures include:
- Olympiacos (Greece) vs. Qarabağ (Azerbaijan)
- Ajax (Netherlands) vs. Galatasaray (Turkiye)
- Roma (Italy) vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
- Tottenham (England) vs. Elfsborg (Sweden)
- Manchester United (England) vs. FCSB (Romania)
- Real Sociedad (Spain) vs. PAOK (Greece)
Additional Notable Matches
Other significant matchups include:
- Athletic Bilbao (Spain) vs. Viktoria Plzeň (Czech Republic)
- Lyon (France) vs. Ludogorets (Bulgaria)
- Rangers (Scotland) vs. Union (Belgium)
- Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) vs. Porto (Portugal)
Football enthusiasts can witness these crucial matches that will determine the tournament’s progression and ultimately influence European football’s competitive landscape.
