Arsenal topped the table in Group A and advanced directly to the first knockouts, while Manchester Utd came in 2nd in Group E and will face off against the 3rd-placed team from the Champions League in February. After finishing 2nd to Betis from Spain in C group, Roma lead by gaffer Jose Mourinho also has advanced to the playoffs.
Manchester United and Arsenal both advanced from respective Europa League groups, but United will now compete in a game in Feb after coming in second place.
To take top place in Group E, Manchester United required to defeat Sociedad by 2 goals or more on Thursday in their away game. However, they managed to win 1-0, setting up a 2-legged match against any of the 8 third-place teams that were eliminated from the Champions League.
Manchester United And Arsenal In The Europa League Knockouts: Things To Know:
Nevertheless, Arsenal would be able to avoid the play-off phase after defeating Zurich on their last matchday to take the top spot in Group A.
Although Jose Mourinho’s team recovered from a deficit to defeat Ludogorets on Thursday in their den to clinch 2nd place in their group, Roma will accompany Manchester United inside the play-offs.
On 7th Novemver, Monday, at 12 p.m., the Hall of UEFA’s headquarters in Zurich will host the UEL play-off draw.
The group champions are exempt from the draws and advance directly to the stage of 16 instead. They will be ranked and matched up against any of the 8 playoff stage winners on Feb 24.
