The eight parings for next years Preliminary Knockout Round of the Europa League final stage was set with Monday afternoon’s draw, handing all three Americans entering at this stage potentially tricky paths to the final 16.
It was a low scoring night for Yanks involved in Europa League action, however both Tim Chandler and Deandre Yedlin saw their team end up group winners.
The fourth round of games in the Champions League group stage is now completed, and the picture of which Americans in the competition will join in next year’s knock-out round or watch from their couch is beginning to come clear.
Mikkel Diskerud and Omonoia saw their hopes of reaching the Europa Conference League knockout round take a fatal hit against Basel while Josh Cohen and Haifa stayed within reach despite a narrow loss at Prague.
Christian Pulisic made his long-awaited return to action in Chelsea’s narrow win in Malmö while Weston McKennie and Juventus stayed perfect in the group in a high-scoring home match against Zenit. St. Petersburg.
Bryan Reynolds was in Roma’s starting lineup as they were eviscerated on their trip above the Arctic Circle, while Josh Cohen and Haifa kept their hopes for a knockout spot alive with an important win against Prague.
Sam Vines returned to Antwerp’s defense to help the Belgians earn a point at Fenerbahce while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Celtic finally notched their first win of the group stage in Europa League action.
There were wildly mixed fortunes in midweek Champions League action, with Brendon Aaronson and Weston McKennie helping their teams to the cusp of knock-out round qualification, and Tyler Adams playing an unfortunate role in Leipzig’s collapse to PSG.
Sergiño Dest and Barcelona suffered another heavy defeat on their visit to Benfica, while Brenden Aaronson put in a solid shift for Salzburg, who beat Tim Weah and Lille thanks to a pair of spot kicks.