The Champions League is typically where it’s at for European competition. This week’s heavyweight round-of-16 clashes between Real Madrid and Manchester City, PSG and Chelsea, and others proved that. But we shouldn’t forget about the Europa League, the Champions League’s little sibling, which is often a more unpredictable spectacle.
No clear favorite
Looking at the teams remaining in this year’s Europa League, which has reached the last 16, it’s difficult to pinpoint a clear-cut favorite. Given the riches of the Premier League, Aston Villa may be best-equipped to win. LaLiga duo Real Betis and Celta Vigo, Italian pair Roma and Bologna, French giants Lyon, and former Champions League winners Porto are among the other teams with their eyes on European glory.
Elite mentality from 23-year-old Lyon and USMNT midfielder Tanner Tessmann 🔥🎙️
“When I was at FC Dallas at the start of my career, everyone said, ‘Yeah, he’s good on the ball but has no idea how to defend’,” he says. “So I went to the league that has the best defensive history… pic.twitter.com/bT7Gmd90TY
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) May 25, 2025
Americans hoping for European silverware
Two Americans with experience for the USMNT are hoping to get their hands on the trophy in May.
Tanner Tessman, who has won 12 caps for the Stars and Stripes since 2021, has been with Lyon since 2024 and is a regular starter in midfield. The 24-year-old Alabama native should be named to Mauricio Pochettino’s roster for the 2026 World Cup, provided he stays fit.
Tessman’s Lyon face Celta Vigo in the Europa League round of 16.
Erik Palmer-Brown, who played four times for the USMNT between 2018 and 2022, is the other American hoping to win the Europa League with Panathinaikos, now managed by former Real Madrid and Liverpool coach Rafa Benítez.
The 28-year-old is normally a regular starter in defense for the Greek side but is currently sidelined due to bone edema. Palmer-Brown therefore won’t be involved in Thursday’s game against Betis.
Familiar faces from the Americas
Among other recognizable names to fans in North and Central America and the Caribbean is Álvaro Fidalgo. The former América midfielder, now with Betis, is officially eligible to play for Mexico after switching nationality. Fidalgo is expected to be named to Javier Aguirre’s roster for upcoming friendly games against Portugal and Belgium.
Former Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo is also part of the Betis squad, while Dominican international teammate Pablo Rosario is bidding for Europa League success with Porto.
2025-26 Europa League round of 16 schedule
First legs
All eight first legs take place on Thursday, March 12.
1:45pm ET: Bologna vs Roma
1:45pm ET: Lille vs Aston Villa
1:45pm ET: Panathinaikos vs Real Betis
1:45pm ET: Stuttgart vs Porto
4pm ET: Celta Vigo vs Lyon
4pm ET: Ferencvaros vs Braga
4pm ET: Genk vs Freiburg
4pm ET: Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland
The reverse fixtures take place next week, on Thursday, March 19.
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