Fri Jan 31 00:50:00 IST 2025: ## Europa League Thriller: Man Utd, Spurs, and Rangers Fight for Knockout Stage Berths

**London, UK** – The inaugural Europa League group stage concludes Thursday with a dramatic final day, as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers all battle for favorable knockout stage positions. All 18 games kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT.

United and Spurs are vying for top-eight finishes, guaranteeing direct passage to the last 16. A win for United against FCSB would secure their place, while a draw might suffice depending on other results. Spurs, needing a victory over Elfsborg, currently sit sixth.

Rangers, already assured of at least a playoff round spot, could still snatch a top-eight finish with a win and favorable results elsewhere. Their final game sees them host Union Saint-Gilloise.

The top eight teams automatically advance to the last 16, seeded against the winners of the playoff round involving teams ranked ninth to 24th. Playoff ties begin mid-February, with the last 16 commencing in early March. Teams finishing 25th or lower are eliminated.

Lazio have already secured their place in the last 16, boasting 19 points. Other teams guaranteed a playoff spot include Anderlecht, Athletic Bilbao, AZ Alkmaar, Bodo/Glimt, Eintracht Frankfurt, FCSB, Galatasaray, Lyon, Olympiakos, Union SG, and Viktoria Plzen. Several teams, including Dynamo Kyiv and Nice, are mathematically out of contention. Only Slavia Prague vs Malmo holds no implications for the standings.

Read More