The road to Bilbao is heating up.
Three of the four Europa League quarter-final ties are locked level ahead of Thursday’s second legs, and even in the one where there is a lead, it’s far from over.
Bodø/Glimt are the only side with an advantage going into the return fixtures, having stunned Lazio 2-0 in the Arctic conditions. Elsewhere, Manchester United and Lyon are tied after a late equaliser in France, Frankfurt and Spurs resume at 1-1 in Germany, and Rangers head to Bilbao after a goalless draw in the first leg.
With everything still to play for, here’s what to look out for on a huge night in the Europa League.
Manchester United vs Lyon (Agg 2-2)
United looked on course for a statement away win in Lyon until Rayan Cherki’s late equaliser pegged them back in the 2-2 draw. Joshua Zirkzee scored what may prove to be his final goal of the season, with the Dutch striker now ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
With Chido Obi-Martin ineligible and several other attackers sidelined, Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line on his own, likely supported by Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho – who ended a long goal drought with a strike against Newcastle last weekend. In midfield, Casemiro and Mason Mount are pushing to start alongside Manuel Ugarte, while Patrick Dorgu and Harry Maguire could return to the backline.
After resting him last weekend, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that André Onana will return in goal for this all-important clash. “Every position will be evaluated in the summer,” Amorim noted, but for now, he’s backing his No.1.
Lyon arrive in good domestic form but will be without creative winger Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana due to injury. The exciting Cherki is expected to start again alongside Thiago Almada and either Alexandre Lacazette or Georges Mikautadze. Former United midfielder Nemanja Matic may drop to the bench, with Jordan Veretout and Paul Akouokou offering fresher options in midfield.
United are unbeaten in the competition so far, but they’ll need to dig deep to keep that run going.
Back your winner for Old Trafford under the lights here!
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham (Agg 1-1)
Tottenham were wasteful in the first leg. They fell behind to a Hugo Ekitike goal but equalised through Pedro Porro and went on to dominate the match, only to be denied by Frankfurt’s excellent stand-in keeper Kauã Santos, who is expected to start again with Kevin Trapp still sidelined.
Frankfurt remain without key winger Ansgar Knauff due to injury, and Oscar Højlund – brother of Rasmus – who impressed domestically at the weekend is unregistered for European competition. Expect Mario Götze and Hugo Larsson to return to the XI after being rested, while the home crowd will look to push the 2022 Europa League champions over the line.
For Spurs, Ange Postecoglou faces another massive test. Captain Heung-min Son is a doubt due to a foot injury, while defenders Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are still missing. Dejan Kulusevski returned at the weekend and may start, while Porro, Destiny Udogie, and Micky van de Ven are all expected to come back into the XI after being rested.
Spurs’ away record in Europe remains poor, but with their season on the line, this one could go either way.
Can Spurs finish the job, or will Frankfurt’s European pedigree shine through? Bet here!
It’s operation SOS (Save Our Season) for Man Utd and Spurs in Europa League.
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) April 10, 2025
13th and 14th in EPL, but could either of them win it? ? pic.twitter.com/rOE1nMdm3c
Lazio vs Bodo/Glimt (Agg 0-2)
Lazio’s trip to the Arctic Circle was one to forget. On a cold night in northern Norway and on Bodø’s artificial turf, Marco Baroni’s men were second-best all over the pitch. A brace from Ulrik Saltnes gave the Norwegians a 2-0 win, and it could have been more were it not for late Lazio saves.
The Serie A side have never overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit in European competition, but they’ll back themselves to put up a fight back on home soil. Having struggled conditions last week, Lazio will be hoping that more familiar surroundings at the Stadio Olimpico, and a fast start, can swing the tie back in their favour.
Bodø/Glimt ?@Glimt | #UEL x #UECL pic.twitter.com/uqA444jVdT
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 16, 2025
Bodo/Glimt are on the verge of history, as no Norwegian club has ever reached a European semi-final. They know the second leg will be a very different game but have proven they can compete anywhere in Europe this season.
Back Lazio’s fightback, or the underdog story? Get involved here!
Athletic Club vs Rangers (Agg 0-0)
It’s all square after the first leg, but Athletic will be kicking themselves for not taking a lead back to Bilbao. They dominated possession and had a man advantage for nearly 80 minutes after Rangers went down to 10, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Alex Berenguer missed a penalty, and Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly stood firm – but Athletic will take confidence from their home record: 12 goals scored in five matches and just two conceded.
Kelly huge first-leg save ?@RangersFC | #UEL pic.twitter.com/RUE3oHpSSZ
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 16, 2025
Rangers have already won at Fenerbahce, Nice, and Malmo this season, so they won’t be intimidated by San Mamés – even with the Europa League final set to be played in the very same stadium next month. Barry Ferguson’s men are still alive and could make history of their own.
Back Bilbao’s home boost or a famous Rangers result right here!
