Europa League

Europa League Group Stage Roundup

Written by Rob Edwards Designed by Shannon Moore

It was a clean sweep for the British clubs in this season’s Europa League as all five teams involved found passage into the last 32. Arsenal, Celtic and Manchester United came top of their respective groups, whilst Rangers and Wolves both finished runners-up.

Whilst all parties will be

pleased to have progressed, it was far from plain sailing.

Manchester United and Arsenal were expected to make short work of their groups, but whilst the aim of group winners was achieved, the road to qualification was far from straightforward.

The Gunners’ home defeat to runners-up Frankfurt was a notable low point for the north London side, which led to the sacking of head coach Unai Emery.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side only managed to net 10 times in the six games, five fewer than runners up Alkmaar.

With the likes of Benfica and Ajax dropping down from the Champions League, both sides will need to show improvement if they are to lift European silverware this season.

Wolves have yet again proven to be the surprise package of the season. Not only did they progress to the next round, they have maintained high standards in the league which have put them in contention for a top four spot.

We have seen in the past how the Thursday–Sunday turnaround of games has killed teams, but this Wolves outfit has thrived.

Willy Boly’s late winner in Turkey against Besiktas is just one highlight from their European journey so far. Who knows, they may just make a few more along the way.

Turning the focus to Celtic and Rangers, both have overcome the odds to join the English sides in the next round. Neil Lennon faced questions over his position after his team failed to qualify for the Champions League group stages. Fast forward four months, and his team lead the Scottish Premiership, whilst also managing to finish top of a group which included Lazio, and Cluj, the side who overcame Celtic in Champions League qualifying back in August.

Home and away wins against Lazio were key in sealing progression to the last 32. Had it not been for defeat away at Cluj in the final fixture, they would have gone unbeaten.

Rangers failed to match their bitter rivals in topping their group, but Steven Gerrard will be more than happy that his side have made the draw for the knockout stages.

face La Liga side Espanyol.

Celtic play Copenhagen while Rangers come up against Portuguese club Braga.

The first legs will take place on Thursday 20 th February with the return matches a week later on 27 th February. N

They too faced a tough group which included Porto, Young Boys and Feyenoord.

Victory over Portuguese giants Porto at Ibrox will live long in the memory, but their desire and never die attitude inspired by their manager played a huge role in seeing them progress.

In the Round of 32 Manchester United will face Belgian opposition in Club Bruges.

Arsenal will play Greek club Olympiakos while Wolves will