London, Jan 31: Manchester United and Tottenham advanced to the Europa League round of 16, setting aside their inconsistent domestic campaigns with crucial victories.
United secured a 2-0 win over Romanian champions FCSB in Bucharest, with Diogo Dalot tapping in a Kobbie Mainoo cross before Mainoo himself doubled the lead eight minutes later. Tottenham, meanwhile, claimed a 3-0 victory over Swedish side Elfsborg in London, with academy graduates Dane Scarlett, Damola Ajayi, and 17-year-old Mikey Moore finding the net.
In the revamped Europa League format, the top eight teams progressed directly to the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will compete in two-legged knockout playoffs on Feb. 13 and 20. The winners will join the last 16, with the draw set for Friday.
United finished the league phase in third place, unbeaten with five wins and three draws, trailing the leaders by just one point. Tottenham, despite a poor domestic run that sees them 15th in the Premier League, secured fourth place in the Europa League with five wins, two draws, and one loss.
Lazio, Athletic Bilbao, Rangers, and Olympiacos were among the other teams to book a direct place in the last 16. José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce avoided an early exit, clinching a playoff spot with a 2-2 draw at Denmark’s Midtjylland. Ajax, Roma, Lyon, and several others also progressed.
The knockout stage is set to intensify, with clubs now battling for a place in the latter rounds of Europe’s second-tier competition.
With the knockout stage set to begin, the competition is only expected to get tougher as teams battle for a spot in the latter rounds. While giants like Manchester United and Tottenham aim to make deep runs, dark horses such as Fenerbahce and Ajax will be eager to prove their mettle.-
