The Europa League's league phase finale on January 28, 2026, delivered a night of high stakes and drama as 36 teams battled for progression. With a revamped format in its second season, the competition saw teams vying for a coveted spot in the top eight to advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th would face a playoff round. The bottom teams faced elimination from European competition altogether.
Key Moments and Match Highlights
The evening was filled with rapid-fire goals and shifting fortunes across the continent. Arsenal faced a challenging match against Kairat Almaty, with Kai Havertz scoring on his return. Liverpool took an early lead against Qarabag, with Alexis Mac Allister finding the net.
Other notable moments included:
- Barcelona vs. Copenhagen: Copenhagen took an early lead, adding to the night's surprises. Ultimately, Barcelona lost to Copenhagen.
- Atletico Madrid vs. Bodo/Glimt: Sorloth scored for Atletico Madrid.
- Club Brugge vs. Marseille: Club Brugge asserted dominance with an early lead.
- PSV Eindhoven vs. Bayern Munich: Sabari scored a wonderful goal to equalize for PSV before Harry Kane put Bayern ahead.
- Napoli vs. Chelsea: Chelsea secured a 1-0 lead, with Enzo Fernandez converting a penalty. Later, João Pedro scored to put Chelsea up 3-2.
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Tottenham: Dominic Solanke doubled Spurs' lead, solidifying their position.
Format and Implications
The Europa League's new format intensifies the battle for qualification. The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16. Teams placed ninth to 24th enter a playoff round, determining the remaining teams for the last 16. Teams finishing from 25th to 36th are eliminated.
Additional Games
Other matches from the Europa League league phase finale included:
- Athletic Club vs. Sporting CP
- Ajax vs. Olympiacos
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Villarreal
- Benfica vs. Real Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Inter
- Man City vs. Galatasaray
- Monaco vs. Juventus
- Pafos vs. Slavia Prague
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Newcastle
- Union SG vs. Atalanta
The Europa League continues to deliver thrilling action and unpredictable outcomes.
