The UEFA Europa Conference League, established in 2021, has quickly carved its niche in the European football landscape, providing a platform for more clubs to experience continental competition and offering fans thrilling matches and unexpected narratives. As the 2024-2025 season progresses, the standings in the various group stages and subsequent knockout rounds are a focal point for supporters across the continent. This article will delve into the current state of the Europa Conference League, providing a comprehensive overview of the standings, key storylines, and addressing popular questions surrounding the tournament.
Understanding the Format and Progression
Before diving into the specifics of the standings, it’s crucial to understand the format of the UEFA Europa Conference League:
Qualifying Rounds: Numerous teams from across UEFA’s member associations participate in several qualifying rounds to reach the group stage. These rounds are played in a two-legged knockout format.
Group Stage: 32 teams are drawn into eight groups of four. Each team plays every other team in their group twice (home and away).
Knockout Round Play-offs: The eight group winners advance directly to the Round of 16. The eight group runners-up face the eight third-placed teams from the UEFA Europa League group stage in two-legged knockout ties to determine the other eight teams in the Round of 16.
Knockout Stage: The Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals are played as two-legged ties.
Final: The competition culminates in a single-match final at a neutral venue.
Knockout Round Play-off Results (February 2025)
The eight group runners-up played against the eight third-placed teams from the UEFA Europa League group stage. The winners of these ties advanced to the Round of 16. Here are the results:
FC Midtjylland (UEL) vs. Slovan Bratislava (UECL Group A Runner-up): 2-3 on aggregate
Sturm Graz (UEL) vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv (UECL Group B Runner-up): 2-4 on aggregate
Servette FC (UEL) vs. AZ Alkmaar (UECL Group C Runner-up): 1-2 on aggregate
Real Betis (UEL) vs. Bodø/Glimt (UECL Group D Runner-up): 3-4 on aggregate
Olympiacos FC (UEL) vs. Dinamo Zagreb (UECL Group E Runner-up): 3-1 on aggregate
Ajax Amsterdam (UEL) vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (UECL Group F Runner-up): 2-4 on aggregate
Real Sociedad (UEL) vs. FC Nordsjælland (UECL Group G Runner-up): 1-3 on aggregate
Ferencváros TC (UEL) vs. Maccabi Haifa (UECL Group H Runner-up): 1-5 on aggregate
Round of 16 Standings and Fixtures (April 2025)
The Round of 16 is currently underway. Here are the matchups and the results of the first legs (played on April 3rd, 2025):
Lille OSC vs. FC Nordsjælland: Lille won 2-1
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Servette FC: Maccabi Tel Aviv won 3-0
Aston Villa vs. Bodø/Glimt: Aston Villa won 4-0
Club Brugge vs. Olympiacos FC: Club Brugge won 1-0
Viktoria Plzeň vs. Maccabi Haifa: Viktoria Plzeň won 2-0
PAOK Thessaloniki vs. Dinamo Zagreb: PAOK Thessaloniki won 5-1
Fenerbahçe SK vs. AZ Alkmaar: Fenerbahçe SK won 2-0
KAA Gent vs. Slovan Bratislava: KAA Gent won 1-0
The second legs are scheduled for April 10th and 11th, 2025. The aggregate scores from these matches will determine the eight quarter-finalists.
FAQs
What is the current format of the UEFA Conference League for the 2024–25 season?
Starting from the 2024–25 season, the UEFA Conference League adopted a new format featuring a single league phase where all participating teams are ranked together. Each team plays a set number of matches against different opponents, and the top teams advance to the knockout stages. This change aims to increase competition and provide more diverse matchups.
How are teams ranked in the league standings?
Teams are ranked based on points accumulated during the league phase. A win awards three points, a draw one point, and a loss yields no points. In case of a tie on points, tiebreakers such as goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results are used to determine the rankings.
Which teams are currently leading the UEFA Conference League standings?
As of April 8, 2025, the top teams in the UEFA Conference League are:
Chelsea: Played 6, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 0, Goals For 26, Goals Against 5, Goal Difference +21, Points 18.
Vitória de Guimarães: Played 6, Won 4, Drawn 2, Lost 0, Goals For 13, Goals Against 6, Goal Difference +7, Points 14.
Fiorentina: Played 6, Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 1, Goals For 18, Goals Against 7, Goal Difference +11, Points 13.
These standings are subject to change as the tournament progresses.
How do the standings affect progression to the knockout stages?
The top eight teams in the league standings automatically advance to the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a knockout round play-off to compete for the remaining spots in the Round of 16. This structure ensures that more teams have the opportunity to progress further in the tournament.
What is the prize for winning the UEFA Conference League?
The winner of the UEFA Conference League secures automatic qualification for the league phase of the following season’s UEFA Europa League. This provides the winning team with an opportunity to compete at a higher level in European competitions.
Where can I find the most up-to-date standings and results?
For the latest standings, results, and detailed statistics, you can visit UEFA’s official website or reputable sports news outlets such as BBC Sport and Sky Sports. These sources provide real-time updates and comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
How often are the standings updated during the tournament?
Standings are typically updated immediately after each match concludes. This ensures fans and stakeholders have access to the most current information regarding team performances and rankings.
Has the rebranding from UEFA Europa Conference League to UEFA Conference League affected the tournament’s structure?
While the rebranding simplified the competition’s name, the more significant change was the introduction of the new league phase format in the 2024–25 season. This structural change aims to enhance the competition’s appeal and provide more engaging matchups.
Are there any notable differences in team performances compared to previous seasons?
With the new format, teams face a broader range of opponents, which can lead to varying performances compared to previous seasons. Observing how teams adapt to this format provides insights into their tactical flexibility and resilience.
How does the UEFA Conference League impact domestic leagues?
Success in the UEFA Conference League can boost a team’s confidence and international profile, potentially influencing their domestic league performances positively. However, balancing domestic and European commitments requires squad depth and effective management.
To conclude
The 2024–25 UEFA Conference League season marks a pivotal evolution in European club football, introducing a streamlined competition name and a revamped format aimed at enhancing competitiveness and fan engagement. The shift to a single league phase allows for a more dynamic and inclusive tournament structure, offering teams from various leagues the opportunity to showcase their talents on a broader stage. As the season progresses, fans can expect thrilling encounters and unpredictable outcomes, reflecting the diverse footballing cultures across Europe. Staying updated with the latest standings and results through official channels ensures that enthusiasts remain connected to the pulse of the tournament. This season not only provides a platform for emerging clubs to gain international recognition but also enriches the European football landscape with its innovative approach.
To read more , click here
