The UEFA Conference League arrives in Europe as a novelty, and in its first edition, we already know who will be fighting for the international club tournament. The draw was held on December 13th, and the play-off matches already have their favorites. The teams that have qualified for the round of 16 just have to wait.
Among the particularities of the competition, the absence of Spanish teams at this stage stands out. Additionally, Tottenham's elimination due to a COVID-19 outbreak prevented them from playing their final match against Rennes, but they may appeal and return to the competition; it will be a matter of time, for now.
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Thus, the representatives of the world's top leagues, excluding Spain's teams, include institutions such as Olympique Marseille from France, PSV from the Netherlands, Leicester from England, as well as Tottenham, who could compete again or finally give their place to the Dutch Vitesse.
Thus, the considered 'Europa League 2' will be the scene of matches that will feature teams from Israel, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Serbia, Austria, and Azerbaijan. Undoubtedly, an opportunity for these nations to gain international experience.
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UEFA Conference League: What are the play-off matches?
The top eight teams from the group stage are waiting to see who their next opponents will be in the round of 16. Among those already qualified for this stage are LASK Linz, Gent, Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Copenhagen, Rennes, and Basel. The play-off matchups are:
- Olympique Marseille (FRA) - Qarabag (AZE)
- PSV (NED) - Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR)
- Fenerbahçe (TUR) - Slavia Prague (CZE)
- Midtjylland (DEN) - PAOK Thessaloniki (GRE)
- Leicester (ENG) - Randers (DEN)
- Celtic (SCO) - Bodo/Glimt (DEN)
- Sparta Prague (CZE) - Partizan (SRB)
- Rapid Vienna (AUT) - Tottenham (ENG) or Vitesse (NED)