Europa League and Conference League Semi-Finals Set to Kick Off Tonight
It’s Thursday night — which means it’s time for Europe’s two “secondary” tournaments to take centre stage. The UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League both enter the semi-final stage this evening, with four high-stakes clashes on the agenda.
Europa League: All Eyes on Manchester United vs Athletic Club
Among the UEFA Europa League matchups, Manchester United are the standout favourites. However, the Premier League giants face a tough challenge in the form of Athletic Club (Bilbao), managed by Ernesto Valverde, who has turned the Basques into a formidable force.
United will be desperate to salvage their season — winning the Europa League would guarantee qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. But Athletic have plenty of motivation of their own: this year’s final will take place at San Mamés, their home stadium.
In the other semi-final, Tottenham Hotspur are heavily favoured against Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt. Still, upsets aren’t uncommon at this stage of the competition.
Conference League: Chelsea Face Swedish Test
Meanwhile, in the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea are clear favourites in their semi-final against Swedish side Djurgårdens IF. Enzo Maresca’s side will look to finish the campaign with silverware and a statement of intent ahead of next season.
The second semi-final is a much tighter affair between Spain’s Real Betis and Italy’s Fiorentina — two sides with European pedigree and plenty to prove.
All four matches kick off at 21:00 CET.
