In an exciting Europa League knockout playoff draw held in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, two-time winners Porto were drawn against AS Roma, who have reached the final twice.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will face Anderlecht, setting up intriguing clashes in the competition’s knockout phase.
Porto, who lifted the trophy in 2003 and 2011, last faced Roma in the 2019 Champions League last 16, where the Portuguese side emerged victorious. This rematch promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to progress to the last 16.
Fenerbahce, managed by Mourinho, will take on Belgian side Anderlecht, while fellow Turkish club Galatasaray were drawn against AZ Alkmaar. Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, champions in 1992, will face Union SG, and FC Twente will play Norway’s Bodo/Glimt.
The top eight teams in the group stage automatically qualified for the last 16, while teams finishing ninth to 24th will compete in the two-legged playoffs. Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, both among the tournament favorites, secured automatic qualification to the last 16. They could potentially face the winners of the Midtjylland v Real Sociedad tie or the victors of AZ Alkmaar v Galatasaray in the next round.
Full Europa League Knockout Playoffs Draw:
- FC Twente v Bodo/Glimt
- Union SG v Ajax Amsterdam
- AZ Alkmaar v Galatasaray
- Ferencvaros v Viktoria Plzen
- Fenerbahce v Anderlecht
- PAOK v Steaua Bucharest
- Midtjylland v Real Sociedad
- Porto v AS Roma
Note: The team mentioned second will host the second leg.
Key Dates:
- Playoff first leg: February 13
- Playoff second leg: February 20
- Last 16 draw: February 21
The Europa League knockout playoffs promise exciting matchups, with Porto vs. Roma and Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht standing out as particularly compelling ties. As teams battle for a spot in the last 16, the competition heats up with high stakes and thrilling football on the horizon.
