UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg: What to Expect

The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg matches are set to kick off today, Thursday, March 13, 2025, promising a night of thrilling football as teams battle for a spot in the quarter-finals. With the first legs having set the stage, the second legs will determine which clubs advance in this fiercely competitive tournament. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from tonight’s pivotal clashes.

The Europa League Round of 16 second legs are poised to deliver tight contests, with several ties finely balanced after the first leg results. Manchester United, for instance, face Real Sociedad at Old Trafford with a 1-1 aggregate scoreline. Joshua Zirkzee’s goal gave United the lead in Spain, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to equalize from a penalty. Expect a tense affair as United aim to capitalize on their home advantage, while Sociedad will look to exploit any defensive lapses, especially given Bruno Fernandes’ costly error in the first leg. Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur host AZ Alkmaar trailing 1-0 from the first leg. AZ’s victory in the Netherlands has put Spurs under pressure, and manager Ange Postecoglou will need his squad to overturn the deficit in London.

With Tottenham’s attacking prowess, including players like Son Heung-min, they are favored to progress, but AZ’s disciplined defense could make it a challenging night. Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, face a daunting task against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Fenerbahçe need a remarkable turnaround to advance. Their recent 3-0 domestic league win demonstrates their scoring potential, but Rangers’ home crowd and solid defending could prove decisive. A 2-0 win would force extra time, while a 3-0 victory would see them through directly—a tall order against a resilient Rangers side.

Several matches promise standout performances and key battles. AS Roma, holding a 2-1 lead over Athletic Bilbao, travel to San Mamés Stadium, the venue for this year’s Europa League final. Roma’s attacking duo of Artem Dovbyk and Stephan El Shaarawy will test Athletic’s depleted defense, missing key players like Aitor Paredes and Yeray Álvarez. However, Athletic Bilbao, buoyed by home support, could mount a comeback if they capitalize on their chances. Lazio, leading 2-1 against Viktoria Plzeň, will look to seal their progression at home. After a strong first-leg performance, Lazio’s attacking threats, including Mattia Zaccagni, could overwhelm Plzeň’s defense.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos, trailing 3-0 to Bodø/Glimt, face an uphill battle in Greece. Despite their home advantage, overturning a three-goal deficit against a clinical Bodø/Glimt side seems unlikely, though Olympiacos could make it a competitive affair with early goals. Ajax, with a 2-0 lead over Eintracht Frankfurt, are in a strong position heading into the second leg in Germany. Their defensive solidity and attacking flair, led by players like Jordan Henderson and Brian Brobbey, make them favorites to progress, but Frankfurt’s home crowd could inspire a spirited fightback.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as Premier League representatives, will be under scrutiny to advance, with both clubs eager to secure European silverware this season. United’s home form and Tottenham’s attacking depth give them an edge, but their opponents, Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar, have shown they can compete. Rangers, buoyed by their first-leg victory over Fenerbahçe, will aim to showcase their resurgence under Philippe Clement. A disciplined performance at Ibrox could see them through against Mourinho’s side, adding another chapter to their European journey. Lyon, with a commanding 3-0 lead over FCSB, are virtually assured of progression barring a catastrophic collapse. Their attacking firepower, led by Alexandre Lacazette, should see them comfortably into the quarter-finals.

While favorites like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Ajax are expected to progress, the Europa League is known for its unpredictability. Roma’s narrow lead over Athletic Bilbao leaves room for an upset, especially given Athletic’s home advantage. Olympiacos, despite their deficit, could make things interesting if they score early against Bodø/Glimt, though a full comeback seems improbable. Fenerbahçe’s clash with Rangers also carries upset potential. Mourinho’s tactical nous and Fenerbahçe’s attacking capabilities could turn the tie around, though Rangers’ defensive resilience and home support make them slight favorites.

The winners of tonight’s ties will advance to the quarter-finals, with the draw scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025. The quarter-final first legs are set for April 10, 2025, and the second legs for April 17, 2025, as the road to the final in Bilbao on May 21, 2025, continues.