The UEFA Europa League is set for significant changes in the 2024/2025 season and going forward with a new format replacing the existing one.
The new Europa League format is a boon not only for clubs who will see their revenues increase due to more matches and TV coverage, it’s equally exciting news for sports betting enthusiasts. With more teams and matches, there are exponentially more opportunities to place wagers and win big.
So, without further ado, we present a comprehensive guide to the new Europa League format, how it operates and what fans can expect in the 2024/2025 season.
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The New Europa League Format
This will be the 54th season of the competition and the first to adopt the new “Swiss model” format.
Previously, the Europa League featured 32 teams divided into eight groups. However, starting from the 2024/2025 season, the competition will adopt a new format with a single 36-team league stage. This change aligns with UEFA’s broader strategy to revamp its club competitions, including the Champions League and the Europa Conference League.
Each that qualifies for the Europa League 2024/2025 league stage will play eight matches against eight different opponents – four at home and four away.
Qualification for Knockout Rounds
Teams’ positions in the league table will determine their progression to the knockout rounds.
The top eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter the knockout round play-offs, where they will compete for the remaining eight spots in the round of 16.
The winners of these play-off matches join the top eight in the round of 16, marking the official start of the traditional knockout format with two-legged ties all the way to the final.
Unlike previous seasons, where teams eliminated from the Europa League could drop into the Conference League, the new format in the 2024/2025 season offers no consolation prizes. Teams finishing 25th or below are out of European competition for the remainder of the season.
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The Europa League 2024/2025 Draw Process
The draw for the league stage will occur on August 30 2024, at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, following the conclusion of the play-offs on August 29 2024
To determine the eight opponents each team will face, a seeding system will be employed. The 36 qualified teams will be divided into four pots of nine based on their UEFA coefficients (a ranking system based on past performance).
Each team will be drawn against two teams from each pot, ensuring a balanced and competitive league stage.
Europa League 2024/2025 Key Dates and Fixtures
The Europa League journey begins with the qualifying rounds, which are scheduled as follows:
- First qualifying round: July 11 & 18, 2024
- Second qualifying round: July 25 & August 1, 2024
- Third qualifying round: August 8 & 15, 2024
- Play-offs: August 22 & 29, 2024
When are the Europa League 2024/2025 League stage matches?
The league stage matches are scheduled as follows:
- Matchday 1: September 25/26, 2024
- Matchday 2: October 3, 2024
- Matchday 3: October 24, 2024
- Matchday 4: November 7, 2024
- Matchday 5: November 28, 2024
- Matchday 6: December 12, 2024
- Matchday 7: January 23, 2025
- Matchday 8: January 30, 2025
When are the Europa League 2024/2025 Knockout Stage matches?
The knockout stage will follow the league stage with the following schedule:
- Knockout round play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025
- Round of 16: March 6 & 13, 2025
- Quarterfinals: April 10 & 17, 2025
- Semifinals: May 1 & 8, 2025
- Final: May 21, 2025
Where will the Europa League 2024/2024 Final be Played?
The UEFA Europa League 2024/2025 final will be held at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21 2025.
This modern stadium, with a capacity of over 50,000, promises to provide a spectacular setting for the culmination of the tournament.
The venue has a rich history, having hosted significant matches, including the 1977 UEFA Cup final and games during the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
What do the Europa League winners get?
The winners of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 will not only lift the heaviest piece of UEFA silverware, weighing 15kg but will also secure a place in the league stage of the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026, provided they have not already qualified through their domestic league.
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Europa League Betting: New Format, More Matches, More Opportunities
The increased number of games in the new Europa League format means more matches for football bettors, and more opportunities to win big.
Once the league stage draw is complete, expect a plethora of betting markets to open up. However, the best betting sites are currently offering odds on outrights for the Europa League 2024/2025 winner.
All the top betting sites will offer a wide range of options, from matchwinners to over/under markets and player props.
To make the most of your Europa League betting experience it’s essential to choose the right sportsbook. Our in-depth reviews of Nigeria’s best betting sites can help you find the perfect platform.
We cover everything from welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions to odds competitiveness, customer service, virtual sports, and mobile app performance.
With this information, you can confidently select a bookmaker that aligns with your betting style and preferences.