Europa League Roundup, Matchday 8
Matchday 8 of the 2024/25 Europa League season featured exciting games, unexpected outcomes, and outstanding player performances. This Europa League roundup provides an overview of the games from this round.
Ajax 2-1 Galatasaray
Ajax broke their three-match losing streak in the Europa League by defeating Galatasaray 2-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena. This loss marked the first for the Turkish team in 27 games and prevented them from securing a top-eight finish. Ajax moved ahead of their opponents to 12th place, whiles Galatasaray finished the league phase at 14th place.
Anderlecht 3-4 Hoffenheim
Although Hoffenheim delivered an impressive performance in the second half at Lotto Park, which led to Anderlecht losing their automatic qualification for the last 16 stage, Hoffenheim was still eliminated from the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League. Hoffenheim will not continue in European competition this season, whiles the home side will have to compete in the playoff round as they finished the league phase in 10th place.
AS Roma 2-0 Frankfurt
Claudio Ranieri’s Roma team defeated Frankfurt, securing their advancement to the play-off round of the UEFA Europa League. This victory marked the Giallorossi’s seventh consecutive win at the Stadio Olimpico. Although they lost, Eintracht still maintained a position in the top eight, allowing them to skip the playoffs and continue their pursuit of UEL success in the round of 16.
Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Viktoria Plzeň
Athletic Bilbao defeated Viktoria Plzeň with a score of 2-1, securing second place in the Europa League standings and preserving their flawless home record in the tournament without allowing any goals, ensuring their automatic qualification for the last 16. Despite this being only their second loss in the league phase, Miroslav Koubek’s team secured a playoff spot.
Braga 1-0 Lazio
A courageous Braga team defeated Lazio 1-0, marking the Italian team’s first loss in the continental tournament. However, this victory was insufficient for the hosts to advance, resulting in their elimination from the Europa League. Despite the defeat, Lazio finished the league phase in 1st place.
Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 RFS
Dynamo Kyiv managed to steer clear of finishing last in the Europa League after Oleksandr Pikhalyonok scored in the second half, leading to a 1-0 win over Rigas Futbola Skola. This victory marks Dynamo’s first win in the league phase, while RFS wraps up their league phase with losses in all four of their away matches. Dynamo finished in 34th place whiles RFS ended their campaign at 32nd place.
FCSB 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester United secured their spot in the Europa League’s last 16 with a 2-0 victory over FCSB, marking their fourth straight win in the tournament and sending the home team to the playoffs. The Red Devils advanced to the last 16 as the only team to finish the league phase without a loss.
Ferencváros 4-3 AZ Alkmaar
Robbie Keane celebrated a thrilling 4-3 win in his debut home match as manager of Ferencváros against AZ Alkmaar at the Groupama Aréna, marking their seventh consecutive unbeaten home game. Keane’s team managed to secure a spot in the playoffs. Despite the loss, AZ Alkmaar also progresses to the playoffs.
Lyon 1-1 Ludogorets
Lyon advanced to the Europa League round of 16 after a 1-1 draw with Ludogorets, which meant they missed the opportunity to claim their first victory in a competitive match against a Bulgarian team. For Ludogorets, the draw was enough to prevent them from finishing at the bottom of the table but not enough for a playoff spot finish.
Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-1 Porto
Porto secured their first victory of 2025, winning 1-0 in Martín Anselmi’s debut match as coach, which also eliminated Maccabi Tel Aviv from the UEFA Europa League. This win, along with other results, ensured Porto’s advancement to the playoff round.
Midtjylland 2-2 Fenerbahçe
Midtjylland extended their streak by scoring in their 29th consecutive home match, but ended up with a 2-2 draw against Fenerbahçe. Despite the tie, both teams advanced to the playoff stage of the Europa League. Mourinho’s team made it to the playoffs in 24th place, while Midtjylland secured 20th position.
OGC Nice 1-1 Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt failed to secure an automatic spot in the UEFA Europa League’s last 16 due to goal difference, after relinquishing their lead in a 1-1 draw against Nice, which allowed Nice to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.
Olympiacos 3-0 Qarabağ
Olympiacos secured their spot in the last 16 of the Europa Leaguewith a 3-0 victory over Qarabağ, thanks to a double from Ayoub El Kaabi. Qarabağ struggled throughout the match, delivering a lackluster performance that highlighted their disappointing UEL campaign, ultimately finishing last in the league phase.
Rangers 2-1 Union Saint-Gilloise
James Tavernier led Rangers to a tough 2-1 victory against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, allowing them to remarkably secure a spot in the Europa League’s top eight based on goal difference and advance to the last 16. Meanwhile, the defeat for Union SG resulted in them falling to 21st place, forcing them to go through the playoff round.
Real Sociedad 2-0 PAOK
Real Sociedad achieved their first set of three consecutive home wins in European competitions since 2003, securing a 2-0 victory against PAOK. Despite the loss, PAOK advanced to the Europa League playoffs alongside Sociedad.
Slavia Prague 2-2 Malmö
Slavia Prague and Malmö FF played an exciting 2-2 tie, allowing the Czech team to break their record of five straight Europa League losses as they exited the tournament alongside Malmö.
Tottenham 3-0 Elfsborg
Tottenham secured a 3-0 victory against Elfsborg in the Europa League, thanks to goals from three academy graduates. This win ensured their advancement to the last 16, while Elfsborg fell short of the play-offs, finishing in 26th place.
Twente 1-0 Besiktas
FC Twente advanced to the knockout rounds of the Europa League for the first time since the 2011/12 season, securing a slim 1-0 victory at the Grolsch Veste that ended Besiktas’ journey in the Europa League.