Europa League Round of 16 Draw: Manchester United Face Real Sociedad, Tottenham Hotspur Clash with AZ Alkmaar, Roma Set for Athletic Bilbao Test

The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 draw, conducted on Friday, February 21, 2025, has set the stage for compelling matchups. Manchester United is slated to face Real Sociedad, while Tottenham Hotspur will compete against AZ Alkmaar. Both English clubs, currently facing challenges in the Premier League—Spurs positioned 12th and United 15th—view the Europa League as a vital pathway to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. 

Historically, Manchester United and Real Sociedad have encountered each other multiple times in recent years. The Red Devils eliminated Sociedad in the 2021 Europa League and shared group stage victories in 2022. Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, previously secured a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar during the group stage of the current campaign. 

The draw also outlined potential paths to the final, scheduled for May at Bilbao's San Mamés Stadium. Should Tottenham advance, they may face formidable opponents such as Ajax Amsterdam or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, with a possible semi-final against Lazio. Manchester United's prospective route includes a quarter-final against Lyon, followed by a potential semi-final clash with either Roma or Athletic Bilbao. 

Other notable Round of 16 fixtures include Athletic Bilbao versus AS Roma, Fenerbahce against Rangers, and Ajax Amsterdam facing Eintracht Frankfurt. The comprehensive draw has heightened anticipation for the forthcoming knockout stages, as clubs strategize their routes toward European glory.