The 2024-25 UEFA Europa League kicked off the season with a total of 36 teams, which has now been reduced to 16. It was not easy for the teams to come this far in such a prestigious competition as the Europa League. Each team has endured many intense battles to prove their strength. These 16 strong contenders will face an even more pressurized test in the second leg of the Round of 16 to secure a spot in the final eight. But even that is not the end; the refinement process picks the best one, and the journey is anything but easy. So, the teams are gearing up with even more determination for the upcoming clashes. Each team used their skills and tactics in the first leg of the Round of 16 matches, and while some strategies worked, others did not. They all know that heroes are not just the ones who win but those who try their best until the end. Our heroes are getting ready to put up an even more solid performance in the second-leg clashes. Let’s wait to capture those enthralling moments that could become memorable in football history. For more updates on your favorite football matches, visit our website.
Before diving into the forecasts of the Leg 2 game of the UEFA Europa League, let’s quickly rewind what happened in the Leg 1 games. As mentioned above, some teams completed the task, and some could not. In the Leg 1 clashes, the Real Sociedad team, which met Manchester United, ended the battle with a 1-1 draw. The Lyonnaise team had the right move for the day, ending the clash with a 1-3 win over FCSB. Also, the Rangers, which met the Fenerbahce, ended up with a 1-3 victory. The AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham ended with a 1-0 win for Alkmaar. The Lazio team met the Viktoria Plzeň in the Leg 1, in which the game ended with a 1-2 victory for the Lazio. The FK Bodø/Glimt featured a massive stunt against the Olympiacos and won the battle with three goals. Another intriguing showdown in Leg 1 featured a battle between Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt teams, where the matchup ended with a 1-2 win for Frankfurt. The same score set was repeated in the Roma and Athletic Club struggle, in which the Roma team won. This is how the Leg 1 showdown of the UEFA Europa League Games ended, and many events are still expected for further Leg 2 matchups. So, let’s prepare with more expectations and see whether our favorite team can accomplish the task.
Predictions:
Olympiacos Piraeus vs. FK Bodø/Glimt
The FK Bodø/Glimt and Olympiacos Piraeus teams will be meeting each other on the Leg 2 matches of the UEFA Europa League. This matchup is scheduled to take place on March 13, 2025 at Karaiskakis Stadium.
Championships Won
Olympiacos Piraeus: 0 Europa League Title
FK Bodø/Glimt: 0 Europa League Title
Both Bodø/Glimt and Olympiacos have not won the UEFA Europa League title. So, both teams will be trying with more intensity to achieve a good finish this season. Bodø/Glimt is likely to make their dream come true, as they gave a strong performance in their first leg match against Olympiacos Piraeus. In that clash, Konstantinos Tzolakis scored an own goal for Olympiacos, and Kasper Høgh netted two goals for Bodø/Glimt. Bodø/Glimt maintained 48% possession, with six of their nine shots on target. On the other hand, Olympiacos had 52% possession but did not score any goals.
Coming to this clash, Bodø/Glimt is again expected to feature a strong game against Olympiacos Piraeus, as they look good on both ends of the field. In their recent first leg meeting, Bodø/Glimt’s defensive action over Olympiacos was so powerful that the opponents left the stadium without scoring a single goal. The offensive unit of Bodø/Glimt was also on point. For this clash, Olympiacos Piraeus’s offensive side is expected to score, as they have seen some tactics of their opponents in the prior match. However, Bodø/Glimt looks dominant and is likely to end this clash with a victory and move further.
Athletic Club vs. AS Roma
The Europa League Round of 16 second-leg clash between Athletic Club and AS Roma teams will unfold at the San Mamés Stadium on March 13, 2025. The match between these two top contenders will drive the fans crazy until the very end.
Championships Won
Athletic Club: 0 Europa League Title
AS Roma: 0 Europa League Title
The recent Leg 1 matchup between Athletic Club and AS Roma was an intense game that ended with a 2-1 victory for AS Roma. Angeliño and Eldor Shomurodov each scored a goal for Roma, while Iñaki Williams netted the lone goal for Athletic Club. The first half was challenging for both teams, with Roma creating decent chances but failing to find the target. In the second half, both teams scored their respective goals, sending fans of both sides into a frenzy.
As we look forward to the Leg 2 clashes, there’s tremendous curiosity about which team will emerge victorious. Both teams have a strong history, and Roma’s recent form is imposing, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. Athletic Club’s recent form is also commendable. Despite both teams being dominant, Roma boasts talents like Paulo Dybala, which could give them an edge. Therefore, this matchup will likely see Roma repeating their success from the previous game.
Lazio vs. FC Viktoria Plzeň
The FC Viktoria Plzeň and Lazio teams will once again meet each other in the Round 16 of the Europa League Showdown. This matchup is scheduled at Stadio Olimpico on March 13, 2025. This will be a final test to prove their dominance over each other. Let’s see who will pull the deal to their side.
Championships Won
Lazio: 0 Europa League
Viktoria Plzeň: 0 Europa League
Lazio secured a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzeň in the Leg 1 matchup. In that clash, Lazio maintained about 48% possession, while Viktoria Plzeň had 52%. Alessio Romagnoli and Gustav Isaksen scored one goal each for Lazio, while Rafiu Durosinmi netted Viktoria’s lone goal. Lazio’s attacking side was strong, and they are expected to maintain the same role in the forthcoming clash. Their defensive form is also good, but they could improve further to get the job done in the next match.
On the other hand, Viktoria Plzeň is heading into this clash after a close loss. For this match, Viktoria Plzeň is expected to rely on players like Rafiu Durosinmi and Pavel Šulc to create scoring opportunities. They are solid contenders on both sides of the field and are one of the top teams in the Czech First League. They must exert more pressure on their defensive end to prevent Lazio from scoring last-minute goals. Both teams are highly talented and are expected to showcase their extreme gameplay in Leg 2, where Lazio is likely to have an edge with the home team advantage.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. AFC Ajax
Eintracht Frankfurt will welcome AFC Ajax to Deutsche Bank Park on March 13, 2025, for the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16. With both teams boasting impressive records in their respective leagues, this highly anticipated clash promises to be a thrilling encounter that will have fans buzzing with excitement.
Championships Won
Eintracht Frankfurt: 2 Europa League titles
AFC Ajax: 1 Europa League title
Both teams have a rich history of success in the Europa League, so they are well-acquainted with the path to victory. However, the level of competition has significantly heightened over the years. Eintracht Frankfurt and AFC Ajax will aim to showcase their best form in this matchup. In the Leg 1 clash, Hugo Larsson and Ellyes Skhiri found the back of the net for Eintracht Frankfurt. Recently, Eintracht Frankfurt’s form has been inconsistent, oscillating between wins and losses. They will need to tighten their defense even further to replicate the success they achieved in the first leg. With the advantage of playing at home, Eintracht Frankfurt has the upper hand against AFC Ajax.
On the other side, AFC Ajax, currently leading the Eredivisie, is entering this clash after a defeat in their recent match. Despite this setback, Ajax has dominated most of their other competitions. They have shown strength on both ends of the field. However, Ajax has some signs of concern due to their less favorable away record in the Europa League. This could pose challenges for Ajax in this matchup against Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially paving the way for Frankfurt to secure a win.
Olympique Lyonnais vs. FCSB
The Olympique Lyonnais team will battle against the FCSB for another time in the Leg 2 of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. This matchup will be held on March 13, 2025 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. Currently, the Lyonnais team is in sixth place while the FCSB is in eleventh place in the UEFA Europa Standings.
Championships Won
Olympique Lyonnais: 0 Europa League title
FCSB: 0 Europa League title
The Leg 1 game between these two teams ended with a commanding 3-1 victory for Olympique Lyonnais. In that match, Nicolas Tagliafico scored one goal, while Malick Fofana netted the remaining two for Lyon. On the FCSB side, Alexandru Băluță scored the lone goal in the second half. FCSB struggled throughout the match, managing only 33% possession. They will need to put in a stronger performance on both ends of the field to stand a chance in the upcoming clash.
Olympique Lyonnais, on the other hand, appears to be the dominant team heading into this matchup. Their attacking prowess in the recent game was impressive, and similar efforts could help them secure another win. Historically, Lyonnais has had the upper hand in previous encounters with FCSB, and they are familiar with their opponents. Additionally, playing at home will be a significant advantage for Olympique Lyonnais. Thus, they are predicted to win this battle with a comfortable margin.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. AZ Alkmaar
The Second Leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League will feature a battle between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar teams. This matchup is scheduled to take place on March 13, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Championships Won
Tottenham Hotspur: 2 Europa League titles
AZ Alkmaar: 0 Europa League title
Tottenham Hotspur currently sits in fourth place in the UEFA Europa League standings, while AZ Alkmaar is in 19th place. Despite their lower position, Alkmaar secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the first leg, capitalizing on their home advantage. With just 38% possession, Alkmaar’s Lucas Bergvall scored the crucial goal.
Tottenham’s offense and defense fell short of expectations in the first leg. With two Europa League titles to their name, they are determined to advance beyond the Round of 16. Tottenham is expected to make a strong comeback in the second leg, relying on key players like James Maddison to deliver effective goals. This matchup between these two exciting teams is anticipated to be thrilling until the very end. Tottenham will look to leverage their home advantage and secure a narrow victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Rangers vs. Fenerbahçe SK
The Fenerbahçe and Rangers will face off in Leg 2 of the Round of 16 of the Europa League matchups. This exciting matchup will take place on March 13 at Ibrox Stadium. The Leg 1 matchup was exhilarating, and Leg 2 is expected to be more engaging. Let’s wait to watch this thrilling event.
Championships Won
Rangers: 0 Europa League title
Fenerbahçe: 0 Europa League title
The previous matchup between Rangers and Fenerbahce ended with an exciting 3-1 victory for Rangers. Despite playing at Fenerbahce’s home field, Rangers secured the win. This result adds anticipation for the upcoming clash. With only 35% possession, Rangers still managed to score three goals. Václav Černý netted two goals for Rangers, and Cyriel Dessers added the third. Rangers are in a decent position in the Europa League with around 14 points, and their strong squad on both ends of the field could help them replicate their prior success in this matchup.
On the other hand, Fenerbahce is currently in 24th position in the Europa League standings with 10 points. The team is participating in multiple competitions but struggled in the recent first leg due to an unsteady defense. A few adjustments on their defensive end could improve their performance in the forthcoming clash. Fenerbahce has a good offensive unit with players like Alexander Djiku. An extra effort will be needed from Fenerbahce, especially given their shaky record in away matches.
Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad will face Manchester United in the Round of 16 Leg 2 showdown of the 2024-25 Europa League. This matchup is scheduled for March 13, 2025, at Old Trafford. These two teams are set to engage the crowd until the very end. Let’s wait and capture the enthralling showdown between these two hot contenders.
Championships Won
Manchester United: 1 Europa League title
Real Sociedad: 0 Europa League title
The first leg between Real Sociedad and Manchester United ended in a 1-1 draw, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring for Sociedad and Joshua Zirkzee scoring for Manchester United. In that matchup, Real Sociedad maintained about 55% possession, while Manchester United held about 45% possession. Both teams are equally competitive, as demonstrated in their recent matchup.
In this upcoming clash, Manchester United will have the advantage of playing at home. They have a substantial home record in the Europa League, having won six of their last eight matches. A solid performance from them could secure their victory in this matchup. On the other hand, Real Sociedad enters this clash with a mixture of wins and losses throughout the season. While they have a decent record at home, their away record is less impressive, which will play a significant role in this matchup. Nevertheless, Sociedad relies on key players like Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal to ensure a respectable performance.
