The UEFA Europa League 2025 play-off draw has outlined the potential path to European glory for Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers. With United and Spurs securing automatic qualification to the Round of 16, all eyes are now on who they will face in the next round.
Meanwhile, Rangers, who finished eighth in the league phase, will need to navigate a challenging knockout playoff before reaching the last 16.
Here’s a breakdown of what lies ahead for the Premier League clubs in the competition.
Manchester United & Spurs Secure Round-of-16 Spot
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur finished in the top eight of the Europa League group phase, securing their place in the Round of 16 without needing to go through the play-off round.
Why is This Crucial?
Avoiding the extra two-legged play-off gives both clubs more preparation time.
It allows them to focus on domestic competitions while others battle through additional fixtures.
It ensures home advantage in the second leg of the Round of 16.
Manager Rúben Amorim, who recently took over at Manchester United, emphasized the importance of skipping the playoff round:
“It’s massive for us. We have two extra weeks to prepare, recover players, and get ready for the knockout phase.”
Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou also welcomed the extra time, especially after his side’s impressive 3-0 win over Elfsborg, which saw academy stars Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett, and Damola Ajayi all get on the scoresheet.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position. Now, we focus on getting players back and being ready for the last 16.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (centre) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Who Could Manchester United & Tottenham Face in the Knockouts?
Despite their automatic qualification, United and Spurs still have four possible opponents each, depending on the results of the knockout playoff round.
Potential Round of 16 Opponents
Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur will face one of the winners from the following playoff ties:
AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
FC Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
Breaking Down the Potential Opponents
Real Sociedad – A technically gifted team, currently strong in La Liga and difficult to break down. Galatasaray – A Turkish giant with passionate fans and a dangerous attack featuring experienced European players. AZ Alkmaar – A Dutch side known for developing young talent and playing attacking football. FC Midtjylland – A team that has consistently punched above its weight in European competitions.
If either United or Spurs are drawn against Galatasaray, they will face an intense atmosphere in Turkey, which could be a significant challenge.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar both play possession-based football, meaning both Premier League clubs will need to control the midfield battle.
Rangers’ Potential Opponents Revealed
Rangers, who finished eighth, must go through the playoff round before reaching the last 16. They have been paired with Olympiacos and will face one of the following teams if they progress:
FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt
Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United scores a goal which is then disallowed following a VAR review for a foul committed by Leny Yoro (partially visible) on Robin Propper of Rangers FC during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Analyzing Rangers’ Playoff Draw
Olympiacos – A well-drilled team that excels in big European nights. FC Twente – A rising Eredivisie club with a solid defensive setup. Bodo/Glimt – A Norwegian side that has shocked top European clubs in recent seasons. Fenerbahce – Managed by Jose Mourinho, they barely qualified in 24th place but will be dangerous in knockout ties. Anderlecht – One of Belgium’s biggest clubs, with strong tactical discipline.
Rangers’ journey will not be easy, and if they manage to defeat Olympiacos, they could be in for a huge test against Fenerbahce.
These two-legged ties will determine the remaining spots in the Round of 16.
Europa League Playoff Draw Results:
FC Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt Union SG vs. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht PAOK vs. Steaua Bucharest Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad FC Porto vs. AS Roma
When is the Round of 16 Draw?
Once the playoff round is completed, the Round of 16 draw will take place on Friday, February 21. This is when Manchester United, Tottenham, and Rangers will officially learn their next opponents.
First legs: March 6, 2025
Second legs: March 13, 2025
Unlike previous rounds, the knockout bracket is now set all the way to the final. This means that after the Round of 16 draw, teams will know their potential path to the quarterfinals and semifinals without additional draws.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Cyriel Dessers of Rangers FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
What’s Next for Premier League Clubs?
With the knockout phase approaching, Premier League clubs are preparing for a tough test in their pursuit of European success.
Key Takeaways:
Manchester United & Spurs have automatically qualified for the last 16, avoiding the play-off round.
Their potential opponents include Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or FC Midtjylland.
Rangers must first defeat Olympiacos before potentially facing FC Twente, Bodo/Glimt, Fenerbahce, or Anderlecht.
The Round of 16 draw takes place on February 21, with the matches scheduled for March 6 & 13.
With some of the biggest clubs in Europe still in contention, the Premier League’s representation in the Europa League 2025 knockout stage is shaping up to be a thrilling battle.
Can United or Spurs go all the way? Will Rangers pull off a shock run? Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and in-depth analysis!
Real Sociedad – A technically gifted team, currently strong in La Liga and difficult to break down.
