The curtain fell on the Europa League group stage for the 2024-2025 season on Thursday evening. This was the first edition to implement the new format, inspired by the "Swiss system," which replaced the traditional group stage. The marathon final round determined which clubs qualified directly for the round of 16, as well as those that will compete in the play-offs for a chance to join the elite.
Historical background and a new system:
The Europa League, which began in 1971 under its former name "UEFA Cup," is the second most important club competition in Europe after the Champions League. This season saw a radical change to its format, with the eight-team group stage being replaced by a single round-robin tournament featuring 36 teams. Under this system, clubs play a set number of matches against different opponents and are ranked in a single table. The teams finishing in the top eight positions qualify directly for the round of 16, while the teams finishing ninth through twenty-fourth compete in the play-off round.
The continent's giants secure their places:
Several established clubs secured direct qualification to the Round of 16, avoiding the difficult play-offs. Lyon and Aston Villa Roma completed the lineup , finishing eighth on goal difference ahead of Genk after a thrilling battle that went down to the wire.
The importance and impact of qualification:
Qualifying for this stage is of paramount importance to participating clubs, both on and off the pitch. For teams like Roma, the former UEFA Cup champions, and Aston Villa, currently enjoying a successful spell in the English Premier League, the European title is a strategic objective to enhance their continental standing. For other clubs, progressing in the tournament means substantial financial returns from broadcasting rights and prize money, as well as increased market value for players and invaluable European experience.
The difference between the relegation playoffs and the ambition of a second chance:
Meanwhile, 16 teams will compete in the playoff round, where they will face each other in a two-legged knockout format. The playoff group includes prominent names such as Bologna (Italy), Stuttgart (Germany), Nottingham Forest (England), and Fenerbahçe (Turkey), promising some exciting matches in February. The final round of matches produced some notable results, most notably Aston Villa's 3-2 victory over Salzburg, Lyon's 4-2 win against PAOK, and Porto's 3-1 triumph over Rangers, adding a thrilling conclusion to this historic stage of the competition.
