The Europa League last-16 draw unfolded on Friday, February 21, captivating fans worldwide as it aired on Sky Sports' digital platforms. Anticipation ran high as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers awaited the revelation of their opponents for the upcoming round. The last-16 matches are scheduled to take place on March 6 and March 13, promising thrilling encounters as teams vie for a spot in the quarter-finals.
In a strategic draw, each pair of seeded teams was positioned against winners from the knockout phase play-offs. The knockout phase play-offs, a critical step in the competition, determined the placement of teams in the round of 16. Notably, the draw commenced with the teams ranked 7th and 8th and concluded with the teams in 1st and 2nd positions.
The top eight clubs from the league phase table automatically secured their spots in the last-16 stage. These teams were strategically paired based on their league phase positions, forming four seeded pairs: 1st with 2nd, 3rd with 4th, 5th with 6th, and 7th with 8th. This format ensures competitive balance and sets the stage for intense matchups.
Among the clubs advancing directly to the last 16 are renowned names such as Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lyon, Olympiakos, and Rangers. These teams now prepare to face off against the eight winners emerging from the knockout play-offs: Roma, Bodo/Glimt, FCSB, AZ Alkmaar, Ajax, Fenerbahce, Plzen, and Real Sociedad.
The draw not only outlined last-16 fixtures but also set the stage for future rounds. The quarter-finals are slated for April 10, with return legs on April 17. Following that, the semi-finals will occur on May 1, with second legs on May 8. Culminating this rigorous journey, the final is scheduled to take place at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21.
Fans eager to follow their favorite teams' progress can find comprehensive fixtures and results on the Sky Sports website. The platform continues to offer detailed coverage of the Europa League, ensuring supporters remain informed every step of the way.
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