As the Europa League resumes with 16 teams competing in the first knockout round, notable absentees include Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton, and Rangers.
These four British teams progressed directly to the last-16 stage after successfully navigating their respective group stages. Joining them in this advancement are Atalanta, Villarreal, Slavia Prague, and Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, the eight teams that finished second in their groups are now facing knockout round play-offs to secure a spot in the last 16.
These play-offs pit the second-placed teams against the third-placed finishers from the Champions League groups. Matches will consist of two legs, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday and the return leg on February 22.
Following these play-offs, the victorious clubs will face the group winners in the last 16, with the draw scheduled for February 23. Matches for this stage will take place on March 7 and March 14.
In contrast to last season, where Manchester United was involved in a knockout play-off against Barcelona, no British teams are participating this year. British clubs that exited the Champions League finished at the bottom of their groups, including Celtic, Newcastle, and Manchester United.
Among the favorites to win the Europa League this season are Liverpool, Brighton, and West Ham, along with Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. Liverpool, in particular, under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, aims to secure a trophy that has eluded them during Klopp’s tenure.
Klopp, who announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season, expressed his ambitions for the Europa League, emphasizing respect for the competition and opponents while aiming to progress as far as possible. Despite uncertainties, Klopp remains hopeful about his team’s performance in the tournament.
