Europa League 2014: Ranking Most Intriguing Quarterfinal Matchups
The Europa League might accurately be described as "Europe's NIT," but that doesn't mean the tournament goes into its quarterfinal round devoid of talented teams. Far from it, in fact—Juventus, Benfica and Porto headline a strong field of quarterfinal squads.
Though losing Tottenham and Napoli in the last round did steal the proceedings of some star power.
So, which of the four quarterfinal matchups is most intriguing on paper? Which should you be watching very closely?
Let's break it down.
4. Basel vs. Valencia
This is probably the least appealing matchup on paper to the casual observer, as neither club is exactly a powerhouse. Though Basel is atop the Super League, they likely will come in as underdogs to La Liga's Valencia, though the Spanish side are eighth on the domestic table this season.
But Basel won't even have a home advantage in this one, as they'll be forced to play in front of an empty stadium. From the Associated Press (via ESPN):
"UEFA has punished Basel for fan hooliganism by ordering the Swiss club to play its home Europa League quarterfinal against Valencia in an empty stadium.
UEFA says a second stadium-closure order was deferred for a two-year probationary period.
Basel fans forced play to be stopped by throwing fireworks on the pitch during its 2-1 victory at Salzburg last Thursday.
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Of course, Valencia don't exactly come into this match on top form, having just lost to Getafe in league play. The significance of that loss, of course, was that Getafe came into that match on a 15-game winless streak.
Ouch.
Neither one of these teams looks likely to win this tournament, so this isn't the most intriguing matchup in the quarterfinals. Not by a long shot. Still, you never quite know what will happen in European football, so this one could provide fireworks yet.
3. Benfica vs. AZ Alkmaar
Benfica are cruising through their domestic campaign atop the table. They reached the Europa League final a year ago (only to lose to Chelsea) and just knocked a quality Tottenham side out of this tournament.
So yeah, they'll like their chances against AZ Alkmaar.
Alex Fisher of Goal.com breaks down this matchup:
"The Primeira Liga giants' only loss in their last 10 outings against teams from the Netherlands was on penalties to PSV in the 1988 European Cup final.
AZ themselves have a decent record against sides from the Iberian nation, avoiding defeat in each of the three times they have hosted Portuguese teams, beating Sporting Lisbon and Braga, while drawing with Pacos de Ferreira.
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Table-toppers domestically, Benfica will be confident heading into this game having won 25 of their last 29 matches in all competitions and each of their away fixtures since dropping into the Europa League.
Conversely, AZ are in poor form with just one win from their last five games and will likely have to reach next season's Europa League through the Eredivisie play-offs, unless they win this year's competition.
It's hard to imagine Benfica losing this draw. They are more talented on paper, they are in far better form and marched to the final a year ago. Benfica is also healthy and will mostly be at full strength, with players like Ezequiel Garay and Rodriguo Lima—both key against Spurs—ready to go.
You never know how these matchups might shake out, but this seems like one of the more unbalanced ties in the quarterfinals. Still, the chance to watch a talented Benfica side is worth the price of admission alone.
2. Porto vs. Sevilla
It's been a tough season for Porto. The Portuguese giants find themselves in third place domestically this year, a whopping 15 points behind rival Benfica. So to say that Porto has something to play for in the Europa League is an understatement.
Sevilla is having a rough season themselves, currently in sixth place and six points behind Athletic Bilbao for the coveted fourth place finish and invitation to the Champions League.
Both teams come into this matchup on losses, though Sevilla have won eight of 10 in all competitions, so they'll feel they can get past a dangerous Porto side. But Porto has both history and the fact that they knocked Napoli out of the Europa League on their side.
Porto will be favored, but this matchup should be plenty intriguing.
1. Juventus vs. Lyon
Let's be honest—any chance you get to watch the two-time defending Italian champions, you take. While their Champions League campaign was disappointing, Juventus remains atop the Serie A table and is the best team, at least on paper, remaining in the Europa League.
Antonio Conte says the Bianconeri won't be taking this match lightly, even with Roma beckoning, via Ben Gladwell of ESPN:
"We're not thinking of Roma. It's only right that all of our thoughts are on Thursday's game against Lyon. We should be proud to be the only remaining Italian side in Europe. I hope that our defeat to Napoli can be the spark we need to ignite our push down the final straight.
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Juventus will be bolstered by the return of Carlos Tevez, though Arturo Vidal will miss the match due to suspension, according to Sky Sports. Lyon is dealing with a slew of injuries, and several players, including Miguel Lopes, Mouhamadou Dabo and Clement Grenier, will miss this match.
So Juventus will be expected not only to win the first leg, but to move on comfortably. Lyon have yet to lose in the Europa League this season, however, and they will be at home, so expect a tight contest.
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