The Europa League officially returns this week! Several strong matchups in the first round, with Sheriff Tiraspol set to face Porto

This week will see the official start of the new Europa League season. The format of this season’s Europa League has undergone reforms similar to those of the Champions League, with each team playing four home and four away games during the league stage, totaling eight matches. The top eight teams based on points will directly advance to the Round of 16, while teams ranked ninth to twenty-fifth will compete in two-legged playoffs to secure the remaining eight spots in the quarterfinals. The first round this week will feature several strong matchups.

Among these, fan-favorite Sheriff Tiraspol will host Portuguese champions Porto at their home ground. Sheriff Tiraspol has previously defeated strong teams like Roma in European competitions, while Porto has long been a formidable force in European football. It remains to be seen whether Sheriff can secure a victory in their opening match at home.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Dutch side Twente at Old Trafford. With a poor start to the domestic league season, this game is a must-win for manager Erik ten Hag as they defend their home turf.

Additionally, former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will take on the rising Belgian powerhouse Union SG in their first match. After losing to Lille in the Champions League playoff, Mourinho is keen to make an impact in the Europa League and aim for the title.

Another former club of Mourinho’s, Roma, recently secured a big win in the league after a change in management. However, their first opponent in the Europa League is the strong La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, presenting a significant challenge for new manager Slaven Bilic.

Beyond these, familiar names such as Lazio, Hoffenheim, Real Sociedad, and Ajax are also set to play in the first round. What stories will unfold in the first round of the Europa League? We’ll find out this week!