In the aftermath of Thursday’s gripping group stage matches of the Europa League, 16 teams now poised to navigate the knockout round playoffs.
The upcoming draw on Monday, December 18, will determine the pairings for the initial stage of the knockout phase.
Deviating from the conventional Round of 32 structure, the Europa League introduces a playoff round this season.
This distinctive format involves the second-placed teams from each group squaring off against Champions League third-placed group counterparts.
The triumphant sides from these encounters will earn coveted berths in the last 16, where they will join the victors of the Europa League group stage.
Scheduled for February 15 and February 22, the knockout round playoff matches promise intense battles as teams vie for progression.
The list of qualified teams is a mix of group runners-up and clubs transferring from the Champions League.
The group runners-up set to participate in the knockout round playoffs include Freiburg, Marseille, Qarabağ, Rennes, Roma, Sparta Praha, Sporting CP, and Toulouse.
On the other hand, the contingent transferring from the Champions League comprises Benfica, Braga, Feyenoord, Galatasaray, Lens, Milan, Shakhtar, and Young Boys.
As the knockout playoffs unfold, the eventual winners will seamlessly integrate into the esteemed company of the eight teams that have already secured their places in the last-16 stage.
