The forgotten man and the unappreciated friend: the Europa League. The competition faces mockery and is the second European competition to the Champions league. Rarely taken serious by most of the bigger sides and later in the competition do you see sides really take it serious? This was evident as the UEFA body decided to announce that the 2015 winners of the competition would earn a spot in the Champions League. This would help? Yes, as the sides have upped their game and the teams who battle to finish in the Champions League spots will take the opportunity to earn a spot. The competition is down to 32, and the 24 through to this stage are in the hat including the 8 sides that finished third in the Champions League. A bout of controversy was in Group F as FK Qarabag had a late winner disallowed and that ended any hopes of progress. It is still a long way off but this is a tournament that Spanish teams have a habit of dominating. The final last season too was an all Spanish affair.
Three Spanish sides are through to the next stage including Athletic Club who failed to join the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16. Sevilla and Villarreal stand out in the trio and the holders should reach at least the semi finals. They have been unconvincing but have the quality required in their ranks. The sale of talisman Ivan Rakitic slightly weakened them but they should be among the favorites. Germans' hopes will be upon Borussia Mönchengladbach who topped their group, and displayed a great brand of football. The German side will also have their eye on the Champions League incentive.
Among the English teams, Roberto Martinez's side has impressed the most. Despite a defeat on the final day of group stages the side has a good balance and the biggest worry will not be their abilities, rather are the capable of balancing the competitions. Tottenham have shown better form in the Europa League and this is where young Harry Kane managed to flourish and make a claim for a first team spot. Spurs have one of the best sides in the competition on paper. Unfortunately the game is played on grass not paper. A spot in the last eight should be minimum unless the side finally adapts to the style of Mauricio Pochettino. Liverpool do miss Luis Suarez. While the striker got his first goal in the competition for the Nou Camp side, Liverpool could have done with it. A return of Daniel Sturridge could be the best way for the Merseyside side to make the Champions League again.
Napoli leads the race for the competition. Rafael Benitez is a Cup specialist and would be fascinating to see the Italian side draw Athletic Club who knocked them out the Champions League. Benitez' side has impressed the most and should the squad remain injury free, Napoli could claim the coveted prize. AS Roma found the Champions League too big for a challenge. The inexperience dampened Garcia's side had a talented line up but a difficult group. Along with Inter they have an outside chance of progressing. Inter Milan may have finished top, however they have a tendency to blow hot and cold which does not aid their aim of being champions. I would like to think that Andre Villas Boas is on borrowed football is on a sharp decline and his failure to progress from what was a relatively easy group could leave him needing to draw inspiration from the success he gained at Porto.
Salzburg FC, Sporting Lisbon and Wolfsburg are the dark horses that will stir things up. They are the three sides capable of throwing the spanner into the works. We are hoping for an exciting 16 matches as we draw closer to the Warsaw stadium.
Goal of the Group Stages- Erik Lamela
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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| Europa League [Image from flickr by Martin Abegglen] |
Among the English teams, Roberto Martinez's side has impressed the most. Despite a defeat on the final day of group stages the side has a good balance and the biggest worry will not be their abilities, rather are the capable of balancing the competitions. Tottenham have shown better form in the Europa League and this is where young Harry Kane managed to flourish and make a claim for a first team spot. Spurs have one of the best sides in the competition on paper. Unfortunately the game is played on grass not paper. A spot in the last eight should be minimum unless the side finally adapts to the style of Mauricio Pochettino. Liverpool do miss Luis Suarez. While the striker got his first goal in the competition for the Nou Camp side, Liverpool could have done with it. A return of Daniel Sturridge could be the best way for the Merseyside side to make the Champions League again.
Napoli leads the race for the competition. Rafael Benitez is a Cup specialist and would be fascinating to see the Italian side draw Athletic Club who knocked them out the Champions League. Benitez' side has impressed the most and should the squad remain injury free, Napoli could claim the coveted prize. AS Roma found the Champions League too big for a challenge. The inexperience dampened Garcia's side had a talented line up but a difficult group. Along with Inter they have an outside chance of progressing. Inter Milan may have finished top, however they have a tendency to blow hot and cold which does not aid their aim of being champions. I would like to think that Andre Villas Boas is on borrowed football is on a sharp decline and his failure to progress from what was a relatively easy group could leave him needing to draw inspiration from the success he gained at Porto.
Salzburg FC, Sporting Lisbon and Wolfsburg are the dark horses that will stir things up. They are the three sides capable of throwing the spanner into the works. We are hoping for an exciting 16 matches as we draw closer to the Warsaw stadium.
Goal of the Group Stages- Erik Lamela
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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