2024–25 UEFA Europa League History
2024–25 UEFA Europa League History: New Format, Team Allocation & Final in Bilbao!
The 2024–2025 UEFA Europa League is an exciting time in European club football history.Currently in progress is the 54th season of UEFA’s second-tier competition, or the 16th season since the UEFA Europa League took the place of the UEFA Cup.What makes this year unique, though, are some major changes to the event structure, new club opportunities, and a new competition format.
Let’s take a friendly deep dive into this remarkable season of football.
A Big Change: The New Format
In the past, the Europa League followed a group-stage format with 32 teams divided into 8 groups of 4. But starting this season, UEFA has introduced a new “league phase” system with 36 teams in a single league table.
This is the first time the competition is being played under this innovative format. It’s part of UEFA’s plan to make matches more exciting and give fans more top-level clashes throughout the season.
Key Features of the New Format:
- 36 teams participate in a single league phase (not group stages).
- Each team plays 8 different opponents (4 at home and 4 away).
- The top 8 teams go directly to the Round of 16.
- Teams ranked 9 to 24 enter the Knockout Round Play-offs.
- Teams ranked 25 or lower are eliminated.
- The Champions League dropout rule is removed – meaning teams can’t drop from the UCL into the Europa League during knockout stages anymore.
Why the Change?
UEFA wanted to make the competition more competitive, add more matches, and reduce situations where top teams from the Champions League drop down and dominate the Europa League. With 189 matches (up from 141 last year), fans get more football to enjoy!
Europa League 2024–25 Final: Where and When?
The final match of the 2024–25 Europa League will be played on 21 May 2025 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
This historic stadium is home to Athletic Bilbao and has hosted many big football nights. With a capacity of over 53,000, it promises to be a perfect venue for this season’s grand finale.
What’s at Stake?
The Europa League winner gets:
- A direct spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase.
- The right to face the Champions League winner in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
That’s why the tournament is more than just a trophy — it’s a ticket to Europe’s top table.
Who Is Participating?
This season, 76 teams from 41 UEFA member associations are taking part in the Europa League (excluding qualifying rounds). UEFA uses its association coefficient rankings to decide how many teams each country can enter.
Here’s a summary of how the team allocations work:
| Type of Entry | Details |
| Total teams (including transfers) | 76 |
| UEFA member associations involved | 41 of 55 |
| Direct Europa League entries | Teams from 32 different associations |
| From Champions League (UCL transfers) | 31 clubs dropped into Europa League from UCL qualification rounds |
| From Conference League | 2023–24 UECL winners given a Europa League entry |
| Title holder (Atalanta, 2023–24 winner) | Automatically qualified for the Champions League |
Association Team Allocation Table
UEFA assigns clubs to the Europa League based on their performance over the last five seasons. This table shows how different associations are represented in the 2024–25 Europa League:
| Association Rank | Association Name | No. of Teams | Entry Type |
| 1–12 | England, Spain, Italy, etc. | 2 teams each | Direct group stage or qualifiers |
| 13–33 | Austria, Czechia, etc. | 1 team each | Direct group stage or qualifiers |
| 34–55 (lower-ranked) | Albania, Malta, etc. | Varies | Some via UCL transfers only |
| Russia | – | 0 (suspended) | Not participating due to ongoing ban |
| UECL Winner | Olympiacos (hypothetical) | 1 team | Direct entry if not already qualified |
| UCL Transfers | Various | 31 teams | Transferred after UCL qualifying rounds |
How Association Rankings Work
The number of teams an association gets is based on its UEFA association coefficient. This measures how well clubs from a country perform in European competitions over a 5-year period.
For the 2024–25 season, the 2023 UEFA association coefficients were used. These were based on results from 2018–19 to 2022–23.
Defending Champions Can’t Return
In previous seasons, defending champions could try to win back-to-back titles — but not anymore.
Since the 2023–24 Europa League winners (Atalanta) earned a Champions League spot for 2024–25, they cannot return to defend their Europa League crown. This is part of the new rules that stop Champions League teams from joining the Europa League in the knockout stage.
This change ensures more opportunities for fresh teams to rise and win.
Key Dates to Remember
| Stage | Date Range |
| Qualifying Rounds | July to August 2024 |
| League Phase Draw | August 2024 |
| League Phase Matches | September to January |
| Knockout Phase Begins | February 2025 |
| Round of 16 | March 2025 |
| Quarter-Finals | April 2025 |
| Semi-Finals | May 2025 |
| Final | 21 May 2025 |
Format Breakdown: League Phase Explained
Instead of groups, the new format includes a single league table of 36 teams.
Here’s how it works:
- Each team plays 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away).
- Points are awarded: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
- A table ranks all 36 teams based on points.
| League Phase Outcome | What Happens Next |
| Top 8 teams | Qualify directly to Round of 16 |
| Teams ranked 9–24 | Playoff Round for Round of 16 spot |
| Teams ranked 25–36 | Eliminated from tournament |
No More Champions League Drop-Down
In previous years, teams that failed in the Champions League group stage would drop into the Europa League. That is no longer allowed.
Once a team is eliminated from the Champions League league or knockout phase, they cannot enter the Europa League. “no follow”
This creates a more fair and balanced competition for teams originally in the Europa League.
UEFA Europa League’s Importance
This tournament is not just Europe’s “second best” — it is a gateway to glory. Many clubs from smaller leagues or those just outside the Champions League elite use the Europa League to prove themselves.
In the past, winners have included:
- Sevilla (record 7-time winners)
- Manchester United
- Chelsea
- Villarreal
- Eintracht Frankfurt
- Atalanta (2024 champions)
It has helped clubs build reputations, attract fans, and grow financially.
The Stadium: San Mamés, Bilbao
The final will be held at San Mamés Stadium, also known as “La Catedral.”
This modern arena opened in 2013 and has:
- Capacity: ~53,000
- Home team: Athletic Bilbao
- Hosted Euro 2020 matches (originally scheduled)
- A long-standing football tradition in the Basque Country
Expect an electric atmosphere when two of Europe’s finest clubs face off in May 2025!
Looking Ahead: Champions League & Super Cup
The Europa League winner goes straight into the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage. This is a golden ticket for clubs from smaller leagues who may not qualify otherwise.
Additionally, they will face the Champions League winner in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup — a prestigious one-match final between Europe’s two kings.
Closing Thoughts: A New Era Begins
The 2024–25 UEFA Europa League is not just another football tournament — it marks the beginning of a new era. With its new format, increased competitiveness, and clear separation from the Champions League, it allows more clubs from across Europe to shine.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a casual viewer, this season promises drama, upsets, and unforgettable football nights.
So, grab your jersey, follow your team, and enjoy the magic of the UEFA Europa League!
