The draw for the group stage of the Europa League has resulted in some attractive matches.
Legend:
It can’t be done without people
But the computer in the background does most of the work.
Reuters/Manon Cruz
The Europa League will take place this season without a Swiss club. The second most important European competition will also be held for the first time in the new format this year, similar to the Champions League. The draw for the group stage took place on Friday afternoon.
This was conducted using automated software, revealing some interesting matchups. For example, on the island, the Glasgow Rangers will face both Tottenham and Manchester United.
Swiss players involved
Eintracht Frankfurt, the team of Swiss player Aurèle Amenda and winner of the 2022 edition, will meet AS Roma and Olympique Lyon. Additionally, the Frankfurt team will travel to Istanbul to face Besiktas, who eliminated Lugano.
Kwadwo Duah, who is engaged with Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria, will face two Czech clubs, Slavia Prague and Viktoria Pilsen. Furthermore, the team looks forward to matches against Lazio Rome and Athletic Bilbao.
Final in May
The Europa League kicks off on September 25 and 26, and the group stage lasts until January 30. At that point, 12 of the 36 clubs will be eliminated. The top 8 teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9 to 24 will compete in playoffs. The winner will be crowned on May 21 at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao.