Man Utd and Tottenham Learn Their Europa League Opponents as Table Is Confirmed

Manchester United and Tottenham have learned their Europa League fate after securing crucial victories in their final group-stage matches.

United triumphed 2-0 against FCSB, with goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo, while Tottenham, despite an injury-hit squad, overwhelmed Swedish side IF Elfsborg at home with a late surge. Academy talents Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi, and Mikey Moore all found the net in the closing stages.

These wins allowed both Premier League clubs to bypass the playoff round and progress directly to the last 16 in March. Interestingly, United and Spurs finished 3rd and 4th, respectively, in the league stage table, meaning they share the same four potential opponents for the next round: Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, FC Midtjylland, and AZ Alkmaar.

Ironically, had either side failed to win their final game, they might have faced easier opponents in the playoff round. Both Real Sociedad and Galatasaray are considered among the strongest teams left in the competition despite their standings.

The playoff draw, set for Friday, will narrow Spurs’ and United’s potential opponents to two, as the four teams face each other in February’s two-legged playoff round.

Elsewhere, Rangers secured an automatic top-eight spot with a 2-1 victory over Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. They could now face Anderlecht, Bodo/Glimt, Twente, or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the last 16. Tottenham’s win also means they avoid a potential reunion with their former manager, Mourinho—at least for now.

Big names like Nice, Braga, Hoffenheim, Besiktas, and Dynamo Kyiv were eliminated from the competition, while clubs like Elfsborg, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Slavia Prague, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets, and Qarabag make up the full 12 teams fighting for playoff survival.

The remaining 16 clubs will battle for the final eight knockout spots. Teams like Ajax, Porto, Roma, FCSB, Viktoria Plzen, Ferencvaros, and PAOK are also in the playoffs, setting the stage for intense matchups.

Lazio, who topped the table, could now draw their city rivals Roma in the next round, as well as teams like Porto, Plzen, or Ferencvaros. The knockout stages promise plenty of drama as Europe’s best fight for the coveted trophy.