Europa League state of play: Can Tottenham still qualify for the knockouts?

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League journey remains in their hands despite their frustrating 1-1 draw with Rangers. With only two group-stage fixtures left, Ange Postecoglou’s men are still in line to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages. But what lies ahead for the North London side?

Ange Postecoglou’s promise of silverware

When Ange Postecoglou arrived at Tottenham Hotspur the club was a far cry from where they wanted to be. However, after a somewhat impressive first season, expectations are now high.

The Australian manager, known for his attacking philosophy and successful stints at previous clubs, vowed to bring silverware to North London, emphasising that his second season at a club is when he typically delivers trophies.

In a post-match interview following a defeat to Arsenal in September, Postecoglou was adamant: “I’ll correct myself – I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing’s changed.”

Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, will be hoping that the Australian delivers on his second-season trophy claims, with millions of pounds up for grabs if Spurs can lift the Europa League title this season.

However, despite Ange’s bold claim, his team’s form has been less than convincing, as they are far from the title-challenging side that many hoped for.

With only one win in their last eight games in all competitions, while also sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Postecoglou’s men must address their inconsistency if they are to bring silverware to N17.

The state of play: Where are Tottenham in the Europa League?

Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw against Rangers has left them ninth in the Europa League standings, complicating their route to the competition’s round of 16.

As it stands, Spurs are on the outside looking in, needing results in their final two group-stage fixtures if they are to secure automatic qualification – depending on results elsewhere.

Their Europa League campaign began on a promising note in September when they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Qarabag FK, only to scrape past Ferencvarosi TC with a 2-1 win in October.

Optimism grew further when they edged AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at home, maintaining their perfect record. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn in November when Victor Osimhen’s brilliance guided Galatasaray to a 3-2 win, marking Tottenham’s first setback in the tournament.

With just two games remaining, the Lilywhites find themselves in a tough position. While automatic qualification is still mathematically possible, their fate now hinges on their ability to secure maximum points in their next outings.

Failure to do so would mean playing knockout play-off ties, a daunting prospect for a team struggling to find its rhythm.

What lies ahead for Tottenham in the Europa League

The N17 sides’ journey in the Europa League is far from over, but their margin for error is vanishingly thin.

Ange Postecoglou’s men must face Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena on January 23 and host IF Elfsborg at home on January 30.

If Spurs fail to achieve automatic qualification, they will be forced into knockout play-offs scheduled for February 13 and February 20. Progression from there would see the round of 16 played across two legs in March, with quarterfinals in April and semi-finals in May.

The final, set to take place at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 21, remains a distant yet tantalising possibility for Tottenham fans.

Despite the current challenges, Postecoglou still has the chance to deliver on his bold promise of silverware.

Wins against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg could revitalise their Europa League campaign, offering the momentum needed to mount a serious challenge for the trophy.

The pressure is on, but Tottenham’s fate is still very much in their hands. For the Lilywhites faithful, hope springs eternal – but time is ticking for their manager to back his words with actions.

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