The UEFA Europa League playoffs kicks off this Thursday, February 13, 2025, with eight intense first-leg clashes. With teams fighting for a place in the Round of 16, form, key players, and past performances will play a crucial role. Here’s a breakdown of each fixture based on team performances and standout players.
Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
Danish side Midtjylland struggled in the league phase, securing just three wins from eight matches. Their defense has been leaky, and against a well-structured Real Sociedad team that finished with 14 points, the challenge will be tough. The Spanish side, known for their possession-based football, will rely on their attacking threats to break down Midtjylland’s defensive line.
Fenerbahçe vs. Anderlecht
Despite finishing with only two wins, Fenerbahçe barely squeezed into the knockout stage. Their inconsistency could be a problem against Anderlecht, who secured five wins and looked dominant in the group phase. The Belgian side’s ability to control midfield and create scoring chances makes them slight favorites in this first leg, especially against a Fenerbahçe defense that has struggled.
Ferencváros vs. Viktoria Plzeň
Hungarian side Ferencváros boasts one of the tournament’s top scorers, Barnabás Varga, who has netted five goals so far. Their ability to find the back of the net helped them win four matches in the group stage. However, Viktoria Plzeň, also with four wins, will not be an easy opponent. The Czech side is tactically disciplined and will look to frustrate Ferencváros’ attacking rhythm.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Ajax
Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise had an inconsistent league phase, winning only three matches, but their tactical discipline keeps them competitive. They face a strong Ajax side that won four matches and remains one of the tournament’s historically dominant teams. With Ajax’s experience and attacking power, Union will need a solid defensive performance to keep the Dutch giants at bay.
