Europa League Finale: Manchester United, Tottenham Eye Last 16 Spots

MANCHESTER, England — The inaugural Europa League league phase reaches its climax on Thursday, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur among the teams vying for a spot in the last 16. All 18 final group-stage matches will kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the competition’s first league phase.

Manchester United, currently fourth in the standings with 15 points, need only a victory against Romanian side FCSB to secure a top-eight finish and automatic progression to the last 16. A draw might suffice, depending on results elsewhere. Tottenham, sitting sixth with 14 points, must defeat Elfsborg to guarantee their place in the knockout stage. Rangers, despite a recent setback against Manchester United, have already secured at least a play-off spot and could still finish in the top eight with a win and favorable results.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a two-leg play-off round in mid-February. Teams ranked ninth to 16th will be seeded, facing unseeded opponents from 17th to 24th, with the advantage of hosting the second leg. Clubs finishing 25th or lower will be eliminated.

Lazio have already secured their place in the knockouts, leading the table with 19 points. Other teams, including Anderlecht, Athletic Bilbao, and Eintracht Frankfurt, are also guaranteed at least a play-off spot. Meanwhile, Dynamo Kyiv, Nice, and Malmo are among the teams mathematically unable to progress.

In other key fixtures, Eintracht Frankfurt remain on track for the top eight after a recent victory, while Ajax must beat Galatasaray to secure a play-off spot. Roma‘s hopes of a top-eight finish are over after a loss to AZ Alkmaar, leaving them 21st in the table.

The Europa League’s new format has added intrigue to the competition, with the league phase offering a festival of European football and setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. The play-off ties will take place in mid-February, with the last 16 matches scheduled for early March.