Europa League: Why You Should Watch this Year
By Daniel Kun
Traditionally, it has been very difficult for teams in Europe to translate Europa League success into a UEFA Champions League spot. Even with the added revenue, teams are hard pressed to use it to better their position. The added games to the schedule usually cancel out any added talent or depth that the gained. That may change in this year’s edition. For the first time ever, the champion of the Europa League will gain a place in the Champions League the following year.
What does this mean for the teams?
First of all, it gives the Europa League much more meaning for the teams in it. Fewer teams will put out subs and reserves in an attempt to keep their stars rested for their league campaigns. This makes the tournament a little more respectable, and can only mean good things for the fans. Secondly, more people will tune in and watch the final and semi-finals now that they have Champions League implications. This will lead to more money for all teams involved, never a bad thing for a tournament that usually contains mid-table clubs from the top leagues.
More from Europa League
- Europa League Final: Sevilla and Roma meet in Budapest
- Europa League semifinals: Four experienced clubs eye trip to Budapest
- UEFA Europa League quarterfinals: Budapest within reach
- Europa League: Sixteen teams still marching along Road to Budapest
- How will Barcelona line up against Manchester United?
For the fans? As already stated, the teams from the bigger leagues will play more of their top players, leading to more entertaining soccer. The Europa League also is no longer just for fans of the teams involved. With a Champions League berth on the line, neutral fans will have more interest in who wins the competition. It also gives fans of the teams on the edge of the Champions League places in their leagues another chance to get into the Champions League.
This is another way that soccer keeps the top connected to the middle. A team that won its domestic cup competition could find itself in the Champions League the season after next. It’s not guaranteed, but Cinderella stories are what makes competitions like this thrilling. This addition could also shake up the UEFA league coefficients. Leagues such as Portugal, Russia, Scotland, and other leagues behind the top three leagues may eventually have an extra team in the Champions League group. This will help raise their coefficient, possibly leading to even more teams in the Champions League, or a later starting round for their participating teams.
This may be the best chance for perennial “not quite there” teams Everton and Tottenham. Both teams have squads that can play with the best teams when they are hot. While they might not be able to play well enough over the course of the season to play in the Champions League, both teams are certainly capable of a Europa League run that could have them playing in the final.
Europa League Round of 32 Schedule
This year will be a historic year for Europa League participants: the rich lands of the Champions League lie at the end the long journey. The Europa League is no longer an isolated tournament with indirect benefits, it’s a direct route to Europe’s elite competition. An eye should be kept on the Europa League this year. Its champion may find themselves playing at the San Siro in 2016.