The Five Best Matchups of UEFA Champions/Europa League Knockout Round

Jul 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino on the sidelines against Toronto FC at BMO Field. Tottenham defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

4.)  Tottenham- Fiorentina (Europa League)

Spurs have disappointed in the Premier League, but in Europa, they’ve been a fine oiled machine with Harry Kane as the Conductor and Erik Lamela the Co-Pilot.  Fiorentina dominated their group, but it was arguably the easiest group in the tournament.  They have big names like Mario Gomez and Juan Cuadrado, and will prove a worthy opponent for Spurs, who have had a love/hate relationship in European competition over the last decade or so.

These two mid-major powers in the European Theatre may not necessarily be the biggest of names, but they both play quality ball and can claim some world-class names and talent as well.  And as both teams continue to struggle in league play, their desperation to do well in Europa league may increase as both teams have a solid shot at claiming this year’s title.  And if we’re being honest with ourselves, winning Europa is the only chance either of these teams have at realistically qualifying for the Champions League next year.