UEFA Europa League 2023-24: All you need to know
What's the story
The 2023-24 UEFA Europa League will begin on September 21 and many teams will be eyeing the crown.
Matchday 1 of the competition will see contenders like Liverpool, Ajax, and AS Roma all in action. Teams like Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, and Villarreal will also be in the mix.
Here are the key details from the upcoming season.
Groups
A look at the UEL 2023-24 groups
Group A: West Ham, Olympiacos, Freiburg, Backa Topola
Group B: Ajax, Marseille, Brighton, AEK Athens
Group C: Rangers, Real Betis, Sparta Prague, Aris Limassol
Group D: Atalanta, Sporting CP, Sturm Graz, Rakow Czestochowa
Group E: Liverpool, LASK, Union Saint-Gilloise, Toulouse
Group F: Villarreal, Rennes, Maccabi Haifa, Panathinaikos
Group G: AS Roma, Slavia Praha, Sheriff, Sevette
Group H: Bayer Leverkusen, Qarabag, Molde, Hacken.
Liverpool
Liverpool are overwhelming favorites to win the crown
Among the 32 teams which will start the Europa League, Liverpool are overwhelming favorites to win the crown.
Although they had a rough last season, the Reds have made amends and signed some good players during the summer window.
Jurgen Klopp's men are one of the four unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season and have had a fine start to their campaign.
AS Roma
AS Roma will also fancy their chances
Roma finished as runners-up in the Europa League last season after suffering a defeat against Sevilla in the final. Jose Mourinho lost his first major European competition final. But this season, he has built a formidable team and will seek redemption.
With the Serie A title primarily on their mind, the Giallorrosi are capable of winning their maiden Europa League crown this season.
West Ham
West Ham are also contenders for the title
West Ham United won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season under the tutelage of David Moyes. While the Hammers have lost some players in the summer, they have also brought in some exciting talents as reinforcements.
Apart from their defeat against Manchester City, the Hammers are in great form and have defeated Chelsea. They have the firepower to succeed at this level.
Titles
Sevilla are the record champions with seven titles
Sevilla won their seventh Europa League title last season and courtesy of that they have qualified for the Champions League.
Liverpool, Inter, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have clinched three titles each.
In the recent past, Atleti won the title in 2018. Inter have finished runners-up twice, most recently in 2020.
Information
Europa League 2023-24: Live streaming and telecast details
Sony Sports Network will telecast the UEFA Europa League 2023-24 fixtures live on television in India. Fans can also live stream the fixtures online through the Sony LIV app/website (paid subscription).
Fixtures
A look at the Europa League 2023-24 fixtures
Matchday 1: September 21-22, 2023
Matchday 2: October 5-6, 2023
Matchday 3: October 26-27, 2023
Matchday 4: November 9-10, 2023
Matchday 5: November 31, December 1, 2023
Matchday 6: December 14-15, 2023
Knockout play-offs: February 15 & 22, 2024
Round of 16: March 7 & 14, 2024
Quarter-finals: April 11 & 18, 2024
Semi-finals: May 2 & 9, 2024
Final: May 22, 2024.
Information
Aviva Stadium in Dublin to host the UEL 2023-24 final
The 2023-24 Europa League final will be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on May 22, 2024. This is the second time the stadium will host a UEL final. They last hosted the 2011 Europa League final between Porto and Braga.