The Europa League 2024-25 is poised for the thrilling Knockout Playoff, a unique phase where twenty-four teams compete to secure a spot in the Round 16. This knockout phase, commencing on February 13, 2025, features teams ranked 9th to 24th in the league phase. The 16 teams will engage in a playoff round, aiming to advance to the Round of 16 alongside the teams with byes. In a format distinct from the league phase, all matches in the knockout phase, except for the final, are played over two legs, with each team hosting one leg. The team outperforming its opponent on aggregate over the two legs will progress to the next round. In the event of a tie, the match will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Among the teams of the knockout phase are some of Europe’s most distinguished clubs: Ajax, Real Sociedad, Roma, and Galatasaray. One of the clubs to watch is Ajax because of its reputation for its attacking style and the young talent on its team. Real Sociedad has consistently succeeded in European competitions with experienced and young players. The historic Italian club Roma wants to add another trophy to their storied legacy in European football. Meanwhile, Galatasaray, with the support of passionate fans, has a track record of pulling off surprises in European tournaments.
The 2024-25 UEFA Europa League Knockout Playoff promises dramatic tension, spectacular goals, and unforgettable moments. With fiercely competitive teams, thrilling matchups, and a rich tradition of comebacks and underdog triumphs, this tournament stage truly captures the essence of the Europa League. Football fans can look forward to an exhilarating, action-packed knockout phase as teams, driven by their passion for the game, vie for the coveted trophy.
Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht
For the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League knockout playoff, Anderlecht is making a road trip to face off against Fenerbahce on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Ulker Stadium Şükrü Saracoğlu (Istanbul).
Accurate Passes Per Match
- Fenerbahce: 344.8 with 78.7% pass success
- Anderlecht: 408.3 with 83.7% pass success
In the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League standings, Fenerbahçe ranks 24th, finishing the league phase with two victories, four draws, and two losses. Although Fenerbahçe fiercely vies for the Turkish Süper Lig title, their focus must shift to the UEFA Europa League (UEL) matches ahead. They managed to advance to the knockout play-off round by a narrow margin, securing their spot with a single goal. They pose a significant challenge to their opponents with a solid defense and a potent offense. Offensively, they stand 26th with nine goals scored and an average of 1.1 points per game, while defensively, they occupy 19th place, conceding 11 goals with an average of 1.4 points per game.
Conversely, Anderlecht’s recent form has been inconsistent, showing moments of brilliance yet struggling to maintain consistency. Their away performances have raised concerns, and they’ll need to perform at their best to secure a positive outcome in Istanbul. Offensively, they rank 10th with 14 goals scored and an average of 1.8 points per game, while defensively, they’re in 24th place with 12 goals conceded, averaging 1.5 points per game. This upcoming match marks their first head-to-head encounter since 2018. In their previous four meetings, Fenerbahçe held the advantage, having won three games, with one ending in a draw. Considering Fenerbahçe’s impressive home form and recent unbeaten streak, they are favored to win this match.
Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
Ferencvaros will play Viktoria Plzen at Groupama Arena (Budapest) on February 13, 2025, in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League knockout playoff leg one.
Accurate Passes Per Match
- Ferencvaros: 311.5 with 82.6% pass success
- Viktoria Plzen: 218.8 with 70.6% pass success
For the first time, Ferencvaros and Plzen will face off in the Europa League tournament, where their prior two head-to-head matches are in the Club-Friendly matches, and one match ended up in a goalless draw, and the other one favored a triumph for Plzen. Ferencvaros is also participating in Nemzeti Bajnokság I, where, on the table, they stand second with an impressive record of 10 wins, six draws, and three losses. They head into this match with a defeat against Puskas Academy without scoring a single point. On the other hand, Plzen is standing second in the Czech First League with 14 wins, four draws, and three losses.
Both teams’ offense was quite impressive in this Europa League season, where Ferencvaros scored 15 goals and Viktoria Plzen with 13 total goals scored. Over to their defensive performance, Viktoria Plzen is standing 22nd with 12 total goals conceded with an average of 1.5 points per game. Ferencvaros is in 29th place, with 15 total goals conceded and an average of 1.9 points per game. Despite their last H2H game ending in defeat at their home, we hope Ferencvaros will make it up in this game.
Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
On February 13, 2025, Midtjylland and Real Sociedad will face off in the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League leg one knockout playoff showdown.
Accurate Passes Per Match
- Midtjylland: 303.4 with 78.3% pass success
- Real Sociedad: 410.0 with 84.3% pass success
This match marks the inaugural encounter between Midtjylland and Real Sociedad in football history. Midtjylland has demonstrated remarkable form ahead of this match, presenting a potent attacking threat, especially at home. They have registered only one defeat in their last five games across all competitions. In contrast, Real Sociedad has also performed well, securing consecutive victories leading up to this game. In their most recent group stage outing, they put on an outstanding display in a 2-0 win over PAOK.
Nonetheless, their away performance raises concerns, having experienced three straight losses on the road. Midtjylland excels in its attacking style and high-pressure tactics. They have generated many scoring chances with a vibrant midfield and rapid transitions. While they have shown defensive strength, they have had occasional lapses that have cost them vital points. Real Sociedad, recognized for their possession-oriented approach, will strive to dictate the match’s pace. However, their defensive vulnerabilities may pose a significant hurdle, particularly in away encounters. Considering their current form, Real Sociedad will likely hold an advantage in this matchup.
Royale Union SG vs. Ajax
In the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League knockout playoff leg one, Royale Union SG and Ajax will face off on February 13, 2025, at King Baudouin Stadium (Brussels).
Accurate Passes Per Match
- Royale Union SG: 311.5 with 82.6% pass success
- Ajax: 422.8 with 85.3% pass success
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise clinched a place in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off round despite a recent 2-1 defeat to Rangers, thanks to three prior consecutive victories. This achievement marks their third straight season participating in European knockout matches, which boosts their confidence. Historically, the Union has faced challenges in the first legs of significant European knockout ties, having failed to win in their last ten attempts; nevertheless, they are optimistic about reversing that trend given their current good form. They have secured six wins out of their last seven games across all competitions and eight of their last nine home games. They will be up against Ajax, a club with a prestigious European background. Ajax wrapped up the group stage in 12th place and has reached the knockout stages of UEFA competitions for the seventh consecutive year.
They have been formidable on the road, winning eight out of their last ten away fixtures. Despite suffering a loss on the road against RFS, Ajax aims to recover against Union. They also enjoy a positive record versus Belgian teams, losing only four of 18 encounters. However, their recent performances in European knockout matches have been inconsistent, with just one victory in their last ten games. Notable players include Mohammed Fuseini for Union, recognized for scoring early goals, and Kenneth Taylor for Ajax, who has made essential contributions in recent scoring appearances. Considering their current form and historical performance, Ajax is expected to secure a win in this match.
AZ Alkmaar vs. Galatasaray
For the upcoming leg one knockout playoff of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League, AZ Alkmaar will be at their home to face off against Galatasaray on February 13, 2025, at AFAS Stadion (Alkmaar).
Accurate Passes Per Match
- AZ Alkmaar: 369.6 with 81.9% pass success
- Galatasaray: 448.4 with 84.7% pass success
Despite losing 4-3 to Ferencváros in their final league-phase match, AZ Alkmaar advanced to the UEFA Europa League knockout play-offs. This marks their first appearance in the knockout stage since the 2019/20 season. Following that defeat, they have performed well, winning all three domestic matches by two-goal margins. The two teams are well-acquainted, having previously drawn 1-1 in November, and earlier that month, AZ secured a 3-1 victory against Galatasaray’s rival, Fenerbahçe. AZ has never suffered a home defeat against Turkish clubs in Europe, boosting their confidence as they strive to extend their unbeaten home streak to 16 matches in the UEL.
Galatasaray had only one loss in the UEL league phase against Ajax. They scored the most goals during the league phase and registered five in their last two games. However, their preparation took a hit when their match against Adana Demirspor was abandoned. Galatasaray has struggled in their previous seven UEL away matches, failing to secure a victory in any and never winning a European fixture in the Netherlands. Key players to watch include AZ’s energetic forwards and Galatasaray’s high-scoring attackers. Given their current form and the advantage of playing at home, AZ Alkmaar is favored to win this match, potentially by a narrow margin.
FC Porto vs. AS Roma
The upcoming UEFA Europa League clash between FC Porto and AS Roma on February 13, 2025, at the Estádio do Dragão (Porto).
Accurate Passes Per Match
- FC Porto: 391.1 with 84.7% pass success
- AS Roma: 502.6 with 87.3% pass success
FC Porto approaches this match following a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP in Liga Portugal, round 21. The opponent took an early lead in the first half, but Danny Namaso helped FC Porto equalize with a goal in the second half, preventing a loss. Meanwhile, AS Roma secured a 1-0 victory over Venezia in their last Serie A match, thanks to Paulo Dybala. FC Porto has demonstrated resilience at home and boasts a strong defensive track record. However, their recent performance has been mixed, with just one win and a series of draws in their last five games. Key players like Samu Omorodion, prolific in both league and Europa League matches, will be essential to Porto’s success.
Under Claudio Ranieri, AS Roma has shown solid form in Serie A, benefiting from key squad enhancements and tactical adaptability. Players such as Bryan Cristante and Kenneth Taylor will be crucial for controlling the midfield and enhancing Roma’s attacking efforts. With Roma’s strong away form and recent performance, they hold a slight advantage in this showdown. Considering the team balance, the match is likely to be closely contested. However, AS Roma’s tactical flexibility and robust away record position them as narrow favorites to secure victory.
PAOK FC vs. FCSB
At Toumba Stadium (Thessaloniki), PAOK FC will compete against FCSB on February 13, 2025, in the forthcoming leg one of the Europa League knockout playoffs.
Accurate Passes Per Match
- PAOK FC: 411.1 with 83.3% pass success
- FCSB: 268.8 with 75% pass success
PAOK approaches this match with a robust home record, having triumphed in their last three domestic games, including a 5-0 rout against OFI Crete. While they recently suffered a 2-1 setback against AEK Athens, PAOK’s overall performance remains strong. Conversely, FCSB has demonstrated resilience in away matches, remaining unbeaten in their last three outings. Nonetheless, they encountered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in their most recent group-stage game.
Historically, PAOK has been a formidable opponent at home in European competitions, and their latest performances indicate they hold an advantage in this matchup. FCSB’s inconsistent results and difficulties in away games pose a significant challenge. They will likely achieve a narrow victory due to PAOK’s home advantage and recent form. This matchup is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams striving to gain an edge in the first leg of the knockout playoff.
Twente vs. Bodo/Glimt
The upcoming UEFA Europa League clash between Twente and Bodo/Glimt is on February 13, 2025, at De Grolsch Veste (Enschede).
Accurate Passes Per Match
- Twente: 342.3 with 80.1% pass success
- Bodo/Glimt: 420.3 with 85.0% pass success
Twente heads into this match boasting a solid home record, having won three of their last four games across all competitions. Their recent performance includes an impressive 3-2 win over Malmö and a narrow 1-0 victory against Besiktas in the group stage. The team’s vibrant attacking style, spearheaded by pivotal players like Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Michel Vlap, will be essential for overcoming Bodo/Glimt’s defense. In contrast, Bodo/Glimt has demonstrated resilience during their European campaign, finishing the group stage on a high note and achieving significant away victories against teams such as Maccabi Tel Aviv and Besiktas.
However, their recent results have been mixed, highlighted by a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United and a 1-2 loss to Qarabag. The attacking partnership of Ola Solbakken and Erik Botheim will be crucial for Bodo/Glimt’s success in this encounter. Considering both teams’ current form and tactical approaches, this match promises to be tightly contested. While Twente’s home advantage and recent form give them a slight edge, Bodo/Glimt’s resilience and offensive capabilities should not be overlooked. It appears likely that Twente will emerge favored, though both teams can find the back of the net.
