Seven teams have guaranteed their spots in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages following Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 season. Athletic Club led the way by securing their place with a 2-0 victory over Fenerbahçe on Wednesday. They were joined on Thursday by Anderlecht, Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray, Lazio, Lyon, and Manchester United, all of whom have ensured progression either to the round of 16 or the knockout phase play-offs.
This season introduces the Europa League’s new league-phase format, where the top eight teams overall automatically advance to the round of 16. Teams ranked from ninth to 24th will compete in the knockout phase play-offs to secure the remaining spots in the last 16. As of now, no teams have been confirmed for the round of 16 or the play-offs, except for the seven teams mentioned, while Dynamo Kyiv is the only club confirmed to be eliminated.
The knockout phase schedule begins with the play-offs on February 13 and 20, 2025, followed by the round of 16 on March 6 and 13. The quarter-finals and semi-finals are slated for April and May, with the final set for May 21, 2025. This format ensures an intense and competitive journey for clubs aiming to lift the Europa League trophy.
The updated standings highlight the evolving competition and the stakes for teams vying to secure advancement. With the league phase concluding, the focus will now shift to the knockout rounds, where teams will battle for glory in one of Europe’s premier tournaments.
