Last 16 Euro Cup: UEFA Europa League Fixtures and Draw Explained
The UEFA Europa League’s journey to the final in Bilbao is heating up. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the last 16 of the Euro Cup, covering the fixtures, draw procedures, key dates, and participating teams.
Last 16 Euro Cup Fixtures: A Detailed Breakdown
The Last 16 Euro Cup, officially the UEFA Europa League round of 16, features two-legged ties. Here’s a look at the first and second leg fixtures:
First Leg Matches (March 6, 2025)
All first leg matches will be played on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with a kick-off time of 18:45 CET. The following pairings are set:
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur
- FCSB vs Lyon
- Fenerbahçe vs Rangers
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiacos
- Roma vs Athletic Club
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio
Second Leg Matches (March 13, 2025)
The second leg matches are scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, also at 18:45 CET. The fixtures are the reverse of the first leg:
- Athletic Club vs Roma
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax
- Lazio vs Viktoria Plzeň
- Olympiacos vs Bodø/Glimt
- Lyon vs FCSB
- Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
- Rangers vs Fenerbahçe
- Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar
Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Draw Procedures
Following the last 16, the quarter-final and semi-final draws determine the path to the final.
Quarter-Final Draw
The quarter-final draw sets the matchups and the order of legs (home and away). The ties will take place on April 10th and 17th, 2025.
- Bodø/Glimt/Olympiacos vs Viktoria Plzeň/Lazio
- AZ Alkmaar/Tottenham vs Ajax/Eintracht Frankfurt
- Fenerbahçe/Rangers vs Roma/Athletic Club*
- FCSB/Lyon vs Real Sociedad/Manchester United
*Roma’s potential home quarter-final might be rescheduled.
Semi-Final Draw
Similar to the quarter-final draw, the semi-final draw establishes the pairings and leg order. The semi-final ties will occur on May 1st and 8th, 2025.
- AZ/Tottenham/Ajax/Frankfurt vs Bodø/Glimt/Olympiacos/Plzeň/Lazio
- Fenerbahçe/Rangers/Roma/Athletic Club vs FCSB/Lyon/Real Sociedad/Man United
Europa League Last 16: Teams and Draw Mechanics
Participating Teams
The last 16 Euro Cup comprises 16 teams: the eight group winners and the eight winners from the knockout round play-offs.
Seeding and Draw Process
Teams were seeded based on their group stage performance. The draw ensured that teams from the same group or country could be drawn against each other. No separate draw was held for the final, as the semi-final draw determines the “home” team.
Key Dates and Considerations
The last 16 Euro Cup matches take place on March 6th and 13th, 2025. The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 10th and 17th, followed by the semi-finals on May 1st and 8th. The final will be held on May 21st in Bilbao. UEFA regulations allow for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate teams from the same city or using the same stadium. These regulations ensure fair play and logistical efficiency throughout the tournament.