The Europa League quarterfinals conclude on Tuesday with several tightly contested matches. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are under pressure to succeed in this competition to bolster their Premier League seasons. The path to the final in Bilbao on May 21st promises to be challenging for all remaining teams.
Lazio faces a tough task, needing to overcome a two-goal deficit against Bodo/Glimt after a cold away match. However, their previous European performances this season suggest they have a good chance of turning the tie around at home. This is the only quarterfinal where one team holds a lead, as the other first legs all ended in draws.
Athletic Club`s continued presence in the tournament raises the possibility of a final in Bilbao featuring the local team. Despite not winning against Rangers in Scotland, they are still favored to win the home leg.
For Tottenham, injuries are again a concern, with Heung-min Son unavailable for the away game against Eintracht Frankfurt. While Frankfurt might not be as strong as last season, they still proved a difficult opponent for Tottenham in London. Sitting mid-table in the Premier League, this match could be crucial for Ange Postecoglou`s future as Tottenham`s manager. The pressure on Tottenham has been significant throughout the tournament and is only increasing.
Manchester United, while perhaps not under the same level of immediate pressure as Tottenham`s manager, are expected to compete in the Champions League every season. Winning the Europa League might be their most realistic route back into the competition. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would also make summer player recruitment more difficult for Ruben Amorim as he tries to shape the team. They conceded a late goal to Lyon in the first leg, making the home leg more precarious than it should have been.
Europa League Quarterfinal Schedule
All times Eastern.
- Lazio vs. Bodo/Glimt, 3:00 PM
- Manchester United vs. Lyon, 3:00 PM
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Tottenham, 3:00 PM
- Athletic Club vs Rangers, 3:00 PM
Adrian Whitmore