2023 UEFA Europa Conference League Knockout Stage Match Dates
Image Credit: Samuel Regan-Asante
By: Anthony Tazbaz
Today marks the beginning of the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) knockout stages, where two clubs are drawn to battle for 180 minutes: 2 matches, one at home, another away. The winner of each matchup advances by scoring the most goals within the 180+ minutes. If it remains tied on aggregate (same amount of goals within the 180 minutes), 30 minutes of extra-time will be needed. Then, if needed, penalty kicks!
It is important to note, however, that the 2022-23 edition of European tournaments (UEFA Europa and Europa Conference League included) will be the second edition since UEFA scrapped the away-goal rule, thereby needing to win by scoring more goals (unless penalty kicks decide both clubs’ fates).
Structure
Unlike the Champions League, both the Europa League includes an additional playoff round before the start of the Round of 16. The winners of each UECL group automatically advances to the Round of 16. The group winners and runners-up of the 2022 portion of the competition consist of the following:
On the other hand, the playoff matches comprise the second-place teams from the UECL group stage facing against clubs who finished third in UEL group stage. Below consists of the clubs who suffered from UEL relegation at the conclusion of the 2022 Group Stage campaign:
While the Europa League features several European heavyweights, the second edition of the Europa Conference League comprises several well-renowned clubs. Several major clubs include France’s OGC Nice, Premier League outfit West Ham United, 2021 UEL champions Villarreal CF, Italian darkhorses Lazio, and Coppa Italia hopeful Fiorentina. This tournament’s knockout stages also constitutes the most diverse competition amongst all European competitions, with 21 countries being represented amongst the 24 participating clubs.
To familiarize yourself with the upcoming matches, dates, opponents, and venues, the table below will keep you up-to-date about the key dates to retain. Whether it is during the evening or at work in the afternoon, you might not want to miss these matches!
* SC Dnipro-1 no longer play in Dnipro following the invasion of Ukraine.
Note: This table remains subject to change. It will be updated following the end of each round and once UEFA concludes the knockout stage draw on March 17, 2023. Stay Tuned!
