The UEFA Europa League and Conference League: Final 8 Teams
The UEFA Europa League 2024-25 and UEFA Conference League 2024-25 have reached the quarter-final stages of the competition. Eight teams have booked their place after some thrilling round of 16 action.
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This season, there was a big change in the format of all the European competitions. There were 36 teams and all were a part of a league phase. The top eight teams made a direct entry into the last 16. The last 12 teams faced a direct elimination and the remaining 16 teams had to go through a play-off tie. Earlier, a few teams got a chance to play in the Europa League or Conference League after their elimination in the competition ranked higher than these two. Now, the teams that start the competition only end it.
Manchester United remain unbeaten in Europe
The Red Devils might be struggling in the league but their European form is one thing to talk about. Manchester United are the only unbeaten team in Europe this season. They continued their good run following a big win over Real Sociedad. The first leg ended 1-1.
Real Sociedad won an early penalty at Old Trafford. De Ligt tried to clear a cross but Mikel Oyarzabal cleverly brought his body in between the ball and the defender. The penalty was not awarded but VAR suggested the referee go to the screen. Oyarzabal stepped up to take the penalty and converted it past Onana. After five minutes, Manchester United were back in the game. They were awarded a penalty after Hojlund was brought down in the box in a similar fashion. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to score his first of the night.
Amorim’s team was awarded another penalty after Dorgu was brought down. Once again, Bruno scored the goal and the home team led for the first time. Manchester United were playing one of the best games under Ruben Amorim. In the 62nd minute, Zirkzee released Dorgu for a quick counter. The left wing-back was brought down just ahead of the halfway line. The referee wasted no time to give a red card to Jon Aramburu.
Manchester United wasted a few opportunities to end the tie. In the 87th minute, Bruno Fernandes was presented with an opportunity to score a goal. He took it with open arms and smashed the ball past Remiro. Four minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund delivered a cut-back cross to find Diogo Dalot, who smashed the ball in the roof of the net. The Red Devils outclassed their Spanish opponents.
The UEFA Europa League 2024-25: Quarter-final
Lyon vs Manchester United
Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao
Bodo Glimt vs Lazio
Tottenham Hotspur vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Two English teams remain in the competition. Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United are the favourites to win the Europa League.
UEFA Conference League 2024-25: Quarter-final
Real Betis vs Jagiellonia
NK Celje vs Fiorentina
Legia Warszawa vs Chelsea
Djurgardens IF vs Rapid Vienna
Chelsea can take advantage in the UEFA Conference League. They have a better squad depth than other teams in the competition. This is a chance to win their first championship under the new ownership.
