The second leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 clashes will take place on 13 March. Manchester United will be looking to fend off Real Sociedad after their 1-1 first-leg draw.
Manchester United’s showdown with Spanish rivals highlights the thrilling last-16 fixtures awaiting soccer fans. Rangers vs. Fenerbahçe, Tottenham vs. AZ Alkmaar and Eintracht Frankfurt (1.93) vs. Ajax (3.50) are among the other fixtures set to provide an intriguing spectacle for those who love soccer and soccer betting.
Europa League Tie of the Week: Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad (1-1)
Manchester United once again underwhelmed in the first leg, heaping pressure on Ruben Amorim. Joshua Zirkzee fired the Red Devils in front, but Mikel Oyarzabal equalised with a penalty. However, the Red Devils have home advantage for the second leg and it would be a major shock if they did not see off Real Sociedad.
Olympiacos vs. Bodo/Glimt (0-3)
Olympiacos will host Bodo/Glimt as they look to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit. The result in the first leg in Norway was unexpectedly one-sided and it will be interesting to see if Olympiacos can claw their way back into the tie. Kasper Høgh scored a brace in the first leg and is a player to watch in Piraeus.
Athletic Club vs. Roma (1-2)
Roma will visit Athletic Bilbao in what will be one of the most difficult times to call for bettors. Athletic lost the first leg due to Eldor Shomurodov’s stoppage-time winner, but they will be at home for the second leg. They therefore cannot be written off for this tie. Keep an eye on the lightning-fast Iñaki Williams, who scored in the first leg and has the talent to turn the tie on its head.
Lazio vs. Viktoria Plzen (2-1)
Lazio will be at home for the second leg of this tie after gaining a 2-1 away win in the first leg. Gustav Isaksen’s winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time decided the first leg and Lazio will look to him again in Rome.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Ajax (2-1)
Eintracht Frankfurt will be at home for the second leg against Ajax, carrying the 2-1 win they got in Amsterdam with them. Brian Brobbey scored first for Ajax but goals from Hugo Larsson and Ellyes Skhiri gave the Bundesliga side the advantage.
Lyon vs. FCSB (3-1)
Lyon will be hosting Romanian side Steaua Bucharest, with the French side holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg. South Africa’s Siyabonga Ngezana started the first leg at centre-back for the Romanian side and will be hoping for a big performance as his team looks to pull off the improbable and turn this tie around.
Tottenham vs. AZ Alkmaar (0-1)
Spurs face a daunting challenge against AZ Alkmaar, needing to overcome a one-goal deficit at the home stadium. Lucas Bergvall’s own goal separated the sides. After Tottenham lost a Carabao Cup semi-final tie to Liverpool, Sky Sports pundit and former Reds defender Jamie Carragher said: “When do Tottenham ever win a big game? When do Tottenham ever go and surprise, win against the odds?” Postecoglou’s men have the ideal opportunity to answer that question.
Rangers vs. Fenerbahçe (3-1)
José Mourinho was not in a talking mood after his side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Scottish giants Rangers. Galatasaray (1.66) is going to be difficult to beat in the Turkish Super Lig title race, so serial winner Mourinho must pick up at least one trophy. The Europa League is a perfect stage for a comeback.
Conclusion: Thrilling Europa League Action Awaits
Several close matchups and underdogs facing challenges ensure a dramatic UEFA Europa League round of 16-second legs. Manchester United will aim to make their home advantage count. However, the likes of Tottenham and Olympiacos will look to overturn first-leg deficits. Expect high-stakes action, late drama, and potential upsets as teams battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.
