The Europa League quarterfinals are reaching their climax on Tuesday, with every tie finely balanced. Much attention will be focused on Manchester United and Tottenham as they aim to salvage underwhelming Premier League campaigns through European success. However, the journey to the final in Bilbao on May 21 promises to be challenging for all remaining teams.
Lazio endured freezing conditions in their away match against Bodo/Glimt and now face the task of overturning a two-goal deficit at home. Considering Lazio`s prior European performances this season, they will be confident in their ability to progress. This is the only quarterfinal where one team holds a lead, as all other first legs concluded in draws.
With Athletic Club still participating, the possibility of the final being held in Bilbao featuring the Basque side is increasingly likely. Despite failing to overcome Rangers in Scotland, they are still widely expected to secure victory at home.
For the Premier League clubs, the situation is more complex. Tottenham are once again grappling with injury concerns, as Heung-min Son will be unavailable for their away game against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. Although Frankfurt may have lost some strength since Omar Marmoush`s departure, they proved a formidable opponent for Tottenham in London. Positioned 15th in the Premier League, this match could significantly influence Ange Postecoglou`s future as the club`s manager. Pressure has been mounting throughout the tournament, and it intensifies as they advance.
For Manchester United, while Ruben Amorim is not under the same level of scrutiny as Postecoglou, there are high expectations for United to compete in the Champions League annually. Winning the Europa League is likely their most viable path back to the Champions League. Failure to qualify for Europe`s top competition could hinder their summer recruitment plans to build the team in Amorim`s vision. Against Lyon, conceding a late goal to Rayan Cherki in the first leg has put them in a precarious position, a mistake they must avoid repeating at home.
