The most exciting Europa League of recent years begins. Barcelona, United, Juventus and Sevilla fight for the title

The most important and prestigious club competition will always be the Champions League. The Europa League is the second competition for the relegation zone, which doesn’t get as much attention. This year, however, we are going to have the most exciting edition in years with some top teams.

Last year, the Europa League play-offs already offered an interesting spectacle. Barcelona, Sevilla, Betis, Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund. In the current edition, however, it’s even a bit better.

The Europa League offers several interesting duels right in the 1/16 finals. For example, the duel between Ajax and Union Berlin could promise an offensive spectacle. The Eredivisie champion is known for its offensive football, while the modest side from the German capital will shock the Bundesliga and chase Bayern from second place.

The most watched duel, however, will be the match between Barcelona and Manchester United. The La Liga leader will challenge a revitalised team that has made huge strides under ten Hagem. The clash of the titans that we used to watch in the Champions League has been transferred to the Europa League.

Even Salzburg’s duel with AS Roma is not without interest. The Austrian champion plays attractive football, José Mourinho on the bench always guarantees entertainment. Another big weight comes into play, Juventus have been stripped of points due to a financial scandal and will have a hard time making it from Serie A to the Champions League, so they have to put everything on one card – a Europa League win would ensure the Old Lady’s participation in the LM.

For Czech fans, it will be interesting to watch Bayer Leverkusen with two Czechs in the lineup. Adam Hložek and Patrik Schick will challenge Monaco, a duel rather unlikely to have a favourite.

The absolute king of the Europa League, Sevilla from Spain, is also in the running for the second most prestigious European competition. The team from Andalusia has won the trophy six times, but is currently in a huge crisis, playing for salvation in La Liga and almost certainly will not be on the cup podium. Unless they want to be trophyless next year, winning the EL is the only way.

And there are still other hungry wolves in the 8th finals, who won their group and thus don’t have to play in the 1/16 finals.

They are English league leader Arsenal, Turkey’s Fenerbahce, Spanish sides Real Betis and Real Sociedad playing in great form, last year’s Conference finalist Feyenoord, Germany’s Freiburg, Hungary’s Ferencváros and Belgium’s Royale Union SG.

1/16 Europa League Final matches:

Barcelona – Manchester United
Juventus – Nantes
Sporting – Midtjylland
Shakhtar – Rennes
Ajax – Union Berlin
Leverkusen – Monaco
Sevilla – PSV
Salzburg – AS Rome

Teams already assured of qualification to the Eight Finals::

Arsenal
Betis
Real Sociedad
Feyenoord
Fenerbahce
Freiburg
Ferencváros
Royale Union SG

Source: UEFA