UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Draw Explained Dates/Times/Potential Opponents/Rules
West Ham United's journey in the 23/24 UEFA Europa League has been nothing short of exciting, with the club winning Group A and progressing directly to the round of 16. The Hammers have proven their ability to compete on the European stage, winning five of six matches. Their group-stage campaign ended with a 2-0 victory over SC Freiburg at the London Stadium.
That victory not only secured West Ham to the top spot of their group but also sealed their place in history as the sixth English team to top a European group for three consecutive seasons. This limited group includes renowned clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Group winners
As we prepare for the knockout rounds, West Ham, Liverpool, and six other clubs have already booked their places in the round of 16, laying the foundations for some exciting Europa League football. West Ham's possible opponents have already sparked intrigue and excitement among fans, with Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion, Bayer Leverkusen, Villarreal, Slavia Prague, Rangers, and Atalanta filling out the group winners.
The Europa League has always been a source of great drama and surprising twists, and this season is no exception. The knockout round play-offs put Europa League group stage runners-up against Champions League third-place finishers, and excitement is mounting.
UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Draw
Following the playoff round, The round of 16 draw, which will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, February 23 at 11 AM UK time.
The first legs are scheduled for March 7th, with the second legs a week later, on March 14th.
The format of the draw guarantees that no clubs from the same National association meet each other for the time being, ruling out the chance of an all-Premier League or Old Firm showdown. (Including Rangers)
The draw features 16 teams. The eight group stage winners from the Europa League group stage are seeded and will face the knockout round play-off winners, who will be confirmed on February 22nd. Seeded teams:
Atalanta (ITA)
Brighton (ENG)
Leverkusen (GER)
Liverpool (ENG)
Rangers (SCO)
Slavia Praha (CZE)
Villarreal (ESP)
West Ham (ENG)
Ties are decided over two legs, with the group winners returning home in the second leg. Ties that remain a draw after 180 minutes will be decided in extra time, regardless of how many goals each side has scored at home or away. After an additional 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide the outcome if the teams are still unable to separate.
The draw for the quarter-finals and the semi-finals is set for March 15, with the winners of the eight ties moving on to the quarter-finals. With the final set for May 22, 2024, in Dublin
As Hammers fans all over the world anxiously await the draw on Friday, they will be hoping that the team can recover from their disastrous start to 2024 and find some form before the Europa League campaign resumes.