The draws for the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals have unveiled fascinating matchups. In the last eight, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will collide with Italian side Atalanta. Meanwhile, West Ham United have been pitted against Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.
UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final Draw
AC Milan v Roma
Liverpool v Atalanta
Bayer Leverkusen v West Ham
Benfica v Marseille
Liverpool’s Quest for Europa League Glory
Liverpool cruised through the last 16, dispatching Sparta Prague with an 11-2 aggregate victory. Their reward is a stern test against Atalanta, a familiar foe from the 2020-21 Champions League group stage. The Reds won 5-0 in Italy but suffered a 2-0 home defeat that campaign.
Klopp acknowledged the challenge ahead, describing the draw as “tricky.” He respects Atalanta’s consistency under their current manager, noting their well-organized and uncomfortable playing style.
West Ham’s German Hurdle
For West Ham, the quarter-final tie presents a fresh challenge – Bayer Leverkusen. The Hammers impressively overcame Freiburg in the previous round, securing a 5-1 aggregate win after a resounding 5-0 second-leg triumph at London Stadium.
However, Leverkusen will be no pushovers. The Bundesliga leaders have been unstoppable this season, with an unbeaten record of 32 wins and 5 draws across all competitions. Their remarkable 37-game unbeaten run seemed destined to end against Qarabag, but Patrik Schick’s late brace sealed an extraordinary comeback.
Potential Europa Semi-Final Showdowns?
Benfica or Marseille v Liverpool or Atalanta
AC Milan or Roma v Bayer Leverkusen or West Ham
Should Liverpool and West Ham progress, the semi-final draw offers intriguing possibilities. Liverpool could face either Benfica or Marseille, while West Ham may encounter an all-Italian affair against AC Milan or Roma.
The sub-plots are captivating, with the potential for an all-English final between Liverpool and West Ham or a tantalizing clash between Klopp and his former player Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant Liverpool managerial role.
The Europa League quarter-finals also feature an enticing all-Italian derby between AC Milan and Roma. Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been in excellent form, while Roma has experienced a resurgence under Daniele De Rossi.
Elsewhere, Benfica will take on Marseille, both clubs seeking to prolong their European campaigns.
The quarter-final first legs will take place on April 11, with the return fixtures scheduled for April 18. The semi-final dates are May 2 (first legs) and May 9 (second legs).
The final will be held at the iconic Dublin Arena in the Republic of Ireland on May 22.
Related Read: Arsenal Vs. Bayern: Arsenal Will Face Bayern Munich In The Champions League Quarter Finals