Europa League Roundup, Round of 16
The round of 16 of the 2024/25 Europa League featured exciting games, unexpected outcomes, and outstanding displays from numerous players. This Europa League roundup provides an overview of the games from this round.
Lyon 7-1 FCSB
Lyon scored two late goals to secure a 3-1 victory over FCSB in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 match in Bucharest. This was the first game following manager Paulo Fonseca’s nine-month suspension due to inappropriate conduct towards a referee. Lyon advanced to their ninth European quarter-final of the century, completing a 7-1 aggregate win over a struggling FCSB, who lost 4-0 in the return match in France.
Olympiacos 2-4 Bodø/Glimt
Olympiacos’ impressive 26-match unbeaten streak ended as Bodø/Glimt secured a significant advantage in their Europa League round of 16 tie with a decisive 3-0 win over the Greek team in the first leg. Despite Olympiacos winning 2-1 in the second leg, they could not advance past the round of 16, as Bodø/Glimt’s 3-0 victory in the first leg was sufficient for them to become the first Norwegian team to reach the quarter-finals of this tournament.
Lazio 3-2 Viktoria Plzeň
Even with only nine players on the field, Gustav Isaksen dramatically netted a winner in the 98th minute, leading Lazio to a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzeň in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 matchup. A 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico allowed Lazio to advance to the Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since 2018, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Viktoria Plzeň, who have not won an away match in European knockout stages since 2014.
Frankfurt 6-2 Ajax
In their inaugural encounter, Frankfurt rallied to secure a 2-1 victory against Ajax in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 matchup, marking only the second time the Dutch team has lost at home to a German club. Frankfurt is on track to repeat their Europa League triumph from 2022, having achieved a 4-1 win (6-2 on aggregate) over Ajax in the second leg at Deutsche Bank Park, which advanced them to the quarter-finals where they will face Tottenham.
Athletic Bilbao 4-3 AS Roma
Goals by Angeliño and Eldor Shomurodov allowed AS Roma to take a lead in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 match against Athletic Bilbao. However, Athletic Bilbao progressed to the quarter-finals after defeating 10-man AS Roma 3-1 at Estadio San Mamés in the second leg, resulting in a 4-3 aggregate win.
Tottenham 3-2 AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar achieved a 1-0 win against Tottenham at the AFAS Stadion in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup. Tottenham later advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals by overcoming a tough AZ Alkmaar team, winning 3-2 on aggregate. This victory also marked their fifth win in six European matches at home against Dutch teams.
Manchester United 5-2 Real Sociedad
In the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 matchup against Real Sociedad, Manchester United ended with a 1-1 draw. However, Bruno Fernandes netted his second hat-trick for the club, helping the Red Devils secure a spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate victory and preserving their unbeaten streak in European competitions this season.
Rangers 3-3 Fenerbahçe (Rangers win on penalties)
Fenerbahçe experienced their first-ever loss to a Scottish team as Rangers delivered a decisive performance, winning 3-1 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium and taking control of their Europa League round of 16 matchup. Although Rangers faced their first defeat at home to a Turkish team, losing 2-0 to Fenerbahçe, they progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals by triumphing in the penalty shootout.
Europa League Quarter-Finals Draw
Tottenham vs Frankfurt
Bodø/Glimt vs Lazio
Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao
Lyon vs Man Utd
