The final matches of the Europa League’s “Swiss Model” playoff stage are still finishing up, but unless a miracle happens, Tottenham Hotspur know they’ll be playing one of two opponents in the Round of 16. Earlier today, AZ Alkmaar surprisingly dispatched Galatasaray, drawing 2-2 today but progressing past the Turkish League leaders 6-3 on aggregate. In a match that is currently winding down, Real Sociedad is currently leading ten-man FC Midtjylland 4-2, and have a virtually unassailable 6-3 aggregate lead.
This means that when the Round of 16 draw takes place, Spurs will face either AZ Alkmaar or La Real. Spurs and Manchester United will be on the other side of the bracket (so Spurs won’t play them until at minimum the semifinals); they will also play either Midtjylland or Sociedad, whomever Spurs don’t draw.
The draw takes place tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m., so Americans will wake up to the news of who Spurs will play as they continue their quest for a Europa League title and the most improbable qualification for the Champions League ever. The first leg of the Round of 16 will take place on March 6, with the second leg on March 13. By virtue of finishing in the top eight of the table, Spurs will play the first leg away and the second leg at home.
Galatasaray’s loss means Spurs escape the possibility of playing one of the scarier clubs in the competition, and one that has beaten them in Istanbul already this season. Gala also, stupidly, has Napoli striker Victor Osimhen there on loan, so it’s a bit WHEW from me, dog. This round also knocked out FC Porto, and at the time of this writing 10-man Ajax are currently in an extra time dogfight with Union Saint-Gilloise.
It’s been a fun round! All this also means that, according to Polymarket’s betting market, Tottenham are now the favorites to win the entire competition, and doesn’t THAT feel good?