The 2024/25 season marks the 54th edition of the UEFA Europa League, and it introduces a new, revamped format that significantly changes the structure of the competition. Here’s what’s new:
### **New Europa League Format**
The most significant change is in the group stage, which has been replaced by a single 36-team “league stage.” Each participating club will play eight matches against eight different teams, with four games at home and four away. This is a departure from the traditional group stage format where teams played in smaller groups.
### **Progression in the Competition**
– **Top 8:** The top eight teams at the end of the league stage will automatically advance to the Round of 16.
– **9th to 24th Place:** Teams that finish between 9th and 24th will enter the knockout play-offs, where they will compete for a spot in the Round of 16.
### **Key Dates for the 2024/25 Europa League**
– **League Stage Draw:** August 30, 2024
– **Knockout Round Play-offs Draw:** January 31, 2025
– **Knockout Round Proper Draw:** February 21, 2025
### **Qualified Teams for the League Phase**
Teams have qualified through domestic cup victories, league placements, and by being the current holders of the UEFA Europa Conference League. Some of the notable teams include:
– **England:** Manchester United, Tottenham
– **Scotland:** Rangers
– **Spain:** Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad
– **Germany:** Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim
– **Italy:** Roma, Lazio
– **France:** Nice, Lyon
– **Netherlands:** AZ Alkmaar
– **Portugal:** Porto
– **Conference League Winners:** Olympiakos
### **Matchday Schedule**
– **Matchday 1:** September 25-26, 2024
– **Matchday 2:** October 3, 2024
– **Matchday 3:** October 24, 2024
– **Matchday 4:** November 7, 2024
– **Matchday 5:** November 28, 2024
– **Matchday 6:** December 12, 2024
– **Matchday 7:** January 23, 2025
– **Matchday 8:** January 30, 2025
### **Knockout Stage Dates**
– **Knockout Play-offs:** February 13 and 20, 2025
– **Round of 16:** March 6 and 13, 2025
– **Quarter-finals:** April 10 and 17, 2025
– **Semi-finals:** May 1 and 8, 2025
– **Final:** May 21, 2025
### **Europa League Final Venue**
The final will be held at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21, 2025.
### **Europa Conference League Overview**
The UEFA Europa Conference League, now in its third season, runs concurrently with the Europa League. This competition has also adopted a league-phase format where teams will play six matches against six different opponents between September and December. Notable teams include Chelsea, Kilmarnock, and possibly Hearts, depending on their Europa League qualification status.
### **Conference League Matchday Schedule**
– **Matchday 1:** October 3, 2024
– **Matchday 2:** October 24, 2024
– **Matchday 3:** November 7, 2024
– **Matchday 4:** November 28, 2024
– **Matchday 5:** December 12, 2024
– **Matchday 6:** December 19, 2024
### **Conference League Final Venue**
The final will take place at Stadion Wrocław in Poland on May 28, 2025.
This revamped format aims to increase the competitiveness of the Europa League, offering more matches and opportunities for teams across Europe.
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