For the first of the year 2025 in the Europa League, the posters on the program are interesting. Starting with the highly anticipated clash between Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) and Hamza Igamane (Glasgow Rangers). The two Moroccans, ranked 7th and 8th with their respective training, will give everything to secure a place in the top 8.
The U20 Atlas Lions, Ali Maamar and Anas Tajaouart, from Anderlecht, achieved a well-deserved third place in the standings, with four wins and two draws on the clock. Winner away against Slavia Prague (6th day, 2-1), the Mauves must absolutely repeat their success, this time against the Czechs Viktoria Plzen to stay at the top of the table.
On the other hand, if Nayef Aguerd and Real Sociedad (12th, 10pts) secure a place in the play-off for the moment, they will have to secure this evening against Lazio in pole position, with five games won out of six.
The Fenerbahçe of Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat is in a not very reassuring situation. With only 8 points and a precarious position in the ranking (22nd) the two Moroccan internationals must absolutely reverse the trend against Lyon this evening (4th, 13 pts).
Sofiane Boufal (Union St-Gilloise, 21st) and Amine El Ouazzani (Braga FC, 26th), who face each other this Thursday evening, are probably in the same situation as En-Nesyri and Amrabat: securing a place in barrage this evening.
-Ayoub El Kaabi’s Olympiakos, a little better placed (15th), still risks leaving the play-off zone if it does not secure victory against FC Porto, 19th in the standings.
If there is one Moroccan in danger of total elimination, it is definitely Sofiane Diop with OGC Nice. Traveling to the Swedes Elfsborg (25th), the Aiglons must get their act together, after a difficult European season (2 draws and 4 defeats). The GYM can therefore expect an intense match against an opponent determined to enter the play-off zone.
Par Magda Soltani
01/23/2025 at 2:33 p.m.
