MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have learned their fate in the Europa League knockout phase draw. The two English sides finished inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase and avoided playing two extra play-off fixtures. However, it has now been revealed Man Utd will face Real Sociedad while Spurs will take on AZ Alkmaar in the last 16.
![[Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo celebrating a goal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/celebrates-manchester-uniteds-argentinian-967924972.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
Prior to the draw it was known that the two sides - who finished third and fourth in the league phase - would face one of AZ or Real in the first knockout round. Man Utd - who have a horrible record when playing in Spain - have enjoyed rare success in Spain mostly against Real, having yet to be beaten by the Spanish side away from home in three attempts.
![[Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur celebrating.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-pedro-porro-tottenham-hotspur-967933477.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Overall, they have played them six times, winning three, drawing two and losing one. Meanwhile, Spurs have played AZ only once, winning that clash 1-0 during this season's league phase. Overall, the North London side have not fared well when visiting the Netherlands, winning just five times out of 11 trips.
![[Europa League trophy.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-europa-league-trophy-pictured-973822782.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Meanwhile, both sides have also learned their road to the final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain set to take place on May 21. Tottenham's path would see them take on the winner of Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS.
![[Europa League Round of 16 fixtures.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ac-21_02-europa-league-fixtures-v2-table_e33bab.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The semi-finals would then see them play one of Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos, Viktoria Plzen or Lazio. On the other side of the bracket, Man Utd's potential quarter-final opponent would be one of FCSB or Lyon. Their semi-final opponents would be one of Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or final hosts Athletic Bilbao - potentially setting up either a reunion with ex-boss Jose Mourinho or a blockbuster Battle of Britain.
![[Europa League path to final bracket.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ac-21_02-europa-league-bracket-table-1.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
With both sides way off the pace in the Premier League they know their best chance of playing in Europe next season could be to win the Europa League this season. However, being on opposing sides of the draw, it could come down to a winner-takes-all final.
