The last 16 of the UEFA Europa League is fast approaching and with all the teams firmly believing they can make it all the way to the final in Dublin on May 22, the knockout stages have huge potential.
Here, we look at the shape of the Europa League as it currently stands and what could go down in between now and the end of season.
Match Summaries and Results
The path to the knockout stages has been straightforward for the favourites of the competition so far with Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen making it through their groups in a routine manner.
AC Milan joined the tournament after exiting the Champions League and they made sure of their position by defeating Rennes.
Atalanta and West Ham United also impressed in the group stages and both sides will be confident they can go further in the competition after scoring a number of good wins in the group stages.
Qualified Teams
Below are the teams who’ve qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League
- Sparta Prague
- Liverpool
- Marseille
- Villarreal
- Roma
- Brighton
- Benfica
- Rangers
- SC Freiburg
- West Ham United
- Sporting
- Atalanta
- Milan
- Slavia Prague
- Qarabağ
- Bayer Leverkusen
Fixture Dates and Schedule
The schedule for the last 16 is below. First leg fixtures take place on March 7 unless noted. The second leg games take place on March 14.
- Sparta Prague vs. Liverpool
- Marseille vs. Villareal
- Roma vs. Brighton
- Benfica vs. Rangers
- Freiburg vs. West Ham
- Sporting vs. Atalanta (March 6)
- Milan vs. Slavia Prague
- Qarabag vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Key Matchups to Watch
Every team left in the competition will all believe they can progress, but the favourites like Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, will be happy with their draws.
Roma and Brighton looks a real standout tie with both clubs eager to prove themselves in Europe.
In Portugal, Sporting will welcome Atalanta, and with both teams playing exciting football, this could be the best tie of the round.
Venue Information
With a number of Europe’s biggest sides still left in this competition, some of football’s most historic venues will be hosting fixtures in the last 16.
Anfield, the home of Liverpool, will be bouncing as Jurgen Klopp’s final season as manager will be emotional.
Milan’s San Siro stadium will also be a standout venue in the last 16 as the Italian side look to go far.
Ibrox, Ranger’s stadium, is always loud on European nights and they’ll be vocal as they look to deliver glory for the Scottish club.
Road to the Round of 16
Bayer Leverkusen were undoubtedly the stars of the group stages as they made it through with a perfect record and some impressive performances.
Likewise, Liverpool were also impressive but they had to endure a couple of off nights as they made the last 16 with a makeshift squad.
West Ham and Brighton are flying the flag for English football well and they’ll be confident of going even further after producing some good performances in the group stages.
Pre-match Analysis and Predictions
Liverpool, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen, the three favourites for the competition, will all be happy with their draws, and they’ll be confident of progressing to the next stage of the tournament.
West Ham and Brighton have been given tough draws against Freiburg and Roma respectively, and if the English clubs can make it through, they’ll be given a huge shot of confidence.
Undoubtedly, the tie of the round, Sporting and Atalanta are attacking sides and they’ll be going all out to ensure their passage to the next round.
Fan Tokens for clubs still in the UEFA Europa League are now available, and you can be a part of one of Europe’s most famous clubs
What are Fan Tokens
A Socios.com Fan Token is a digital asset that transforms your passion into rewards. As a Fan Token holder, you have the potential to access once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exclusive benefits, and other perks for being what you’ve always been – a passionate fan. Fan Tokens empower you to vote in official team polls, predict results, check-in for games, play games, choose your favourite players and more while generating reward points that lead to extraordinary Fan Rewards.
Fan Tokens Holder Benefits & Rewards
Fan Tokens empower you to reward your passion. Think of unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like meeting the players, re-creating classic goals or even being a part of matchday in novel and exciting ways. You can win matchday tickets, VIP seats, behind-the-scenes access and more with your Fan Tokens.
Score Incredible Fan Rewards
Fans earn Fan Rewards by engaging with the team on the Socios.com app. Each time you predict and check into matches, play in-app games or vote in polls, you’ll score points. These points tally and enable you to get SSU. SSU are your in-app loyalty tokens, and you’ll trade these in for Fan Rewards.
Fan Tokens have enabled fans to travel with the first team, win unique match used merchandize and even enjoy VIP matchday experiences with team legends. Are you ready to get rewarded for your loyalty?
Vote In Polls and Make Your Mark on the clubs in the Champions League
Perhaps one of the most commonly used features on the Socios.com app is the voting system. Your Fan Tokens give you a say in your club. You’ll be able to pick shirt designs, stadium murals, official team merch and more. Whenever you use Fan Tokens, you always get to keep them, so keep impacting your side with your Fan Tokens.
Engage with clubs for Experience and Leaderboard Points
Use your Fan Tokens to score XP and LP on the Socios.com app. XP are experience points, gained every time you level up. LP are leaderboard points, and these stack in Team Leaderboards. Here, you’ll compete with fellow fans to win huge prizes when you rank at the end of the season!
Score points each time you:
- Vote in polls
- Check in to matches – do this each matchday to bag easy points!
- Predict the score – get maximum points for the perfect score, and score when you guess the outcome too
- Play in-app games, Freekick challenge and Pop & Swap.
How To Buy Fan Tokens
- Download the Socios.com app and follow these three steps to get your first Fan Tokens:
- Open the Socios.com app and tap on Wallet.
- Top up your Wallet with our in-app currency, Chiliz ($CHZ)T
- Tap on Sports, tap on All Teams and then hit Football to filter out football teams. Then search for the club you want and get your Fan Tokens using the $CHZ you just bought
