The draw for the 2025 Europa League Round of 16 has taken place, unveiling an exciting path full of challenges for the 16 teams that are still in the hunt for the trophy. From favorite teams to surprises, clubs will battle to reach the grand final, which will be held at San Mamés, Bilbao, on May 21. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchups and key dates.

Easy Path for Lazio and the Big Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt Clash

One of the standout matchups in this round of 16 is the encounter between Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt, two of Europe’s strongest clubs. The Dutch and German teams will face off in one of the most exciting eliminations of this phase, with both sides fighting for a place in the quarterfinals. The winner of this clash will face the victor of the match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur, with the English team playing the second leg in London.

On the other hand, Lazio, who topped their group, seems to have a relatively easier path, as they will face Viktoria Plzen. The Italians will enjoy the advantage of playing the second leg at home at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. The winner of this match will meet the winner of the clash between Bodo/Glimt and Olympiacos, the current Conference League champions, in the quarterfinals.

Challenges for Athletic Club and Real Sociedad

The Spanish teams Athletic Club and Real Sociedad won’t have an easy task in these round of 16 matchups. Athletic Club will face Roma, who eliminated Porto in the playoffs. Both teams drew 1-1 at the Olympic Stadium during the group stage, so this promises to be a very tight elimination. The second leg will be played at San Mamés. The winner of this matchup will play the winner of Fenerbahçe vs Rangers, with the Scottish side enjoying the advantage of playing the second leg at home.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad faces a formidable challenge: Manchester United. This duel promises to be one of the most intense of the round, with both teams vying for a spot in the quarterfinals. The winner will face either Olympique Lyon or FCSB, with the French team having the advantage of playing the second leg in France.

2025 Europa League Round of 16 Matchups

Here are all the matchups for the 2025 Europa League Round of 16:

1. Lazio vs Viktoria Plzen
2. Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos
3. Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt
4. AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur
5. Roma vs Athletic Club
6. Fenerbahçe vs Rangers
7. FCSB vs Olympique Lyon
8. Real Sociedad vs Manchester United

Match Dates and Times for the 2025 Europa League

The first leg of the Round of 16 in the 2025 Europa League will take place on March 6, 2025, while the second leg will be played a week later, on March 13. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar so you don’t miss any of the thrilling matches in this knockout round.