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The Champions League takes centre stage when it comes to European football. The elite European clubs battle it out to be crowned the kings of Europe in matches that are arguably the highest quality in club football. Traditionally, the Europa League is its lesser celebrated relative, however, this year things are different with some elite clubs still competing. The final takes place in Budapest on the 31st of May, but which team will be crowned the winner?
Manchester United
How the mighty have fallen. Winners in 2016 under Jose Mourinho and then runners-up in 2021, the Europa League was once a competition that United never worried about. Now it’s a different story and winning it would be a significant milestone in Eric Ten Haag’s first season. As favourites with sports betting bookmakers for the competition, it will be a shock if they don’t. The English giants are currently offered at odds of 27/20 to win the competition outright. Goalscorer and in-game betting markets are also offered, as well as casino and jackpot games for those who prefer something different.
United’s form in the league has been good and with a comfortable position in the top four, they can focus much of their attention on Europe. Having defeated Real Betis convincingly in the last 16, they play their city neighbours Sevilla in the quarter-finals. It provides them with a great chance to take one more step towards the final and finish the season with silverware.
Juventus
Another giant of the football world, the ‘Old Lady’ have had a controversial season, with some star players expected to leave. They were hit with a 15-point deduction in Serie A but have continued to impress on the field under Massimiliano Allegri. As with United, the Europa League is not a competition with which they would usually be associated. However, the domestic league is out of their reach so winning in Europe is their primary goal. The eventual champions qualify for the Champions League automatically and, although longer shots at odds of 6/1, they boast a strong enough team and manager to win outright.
Roma
Jose Mourinho has already won this competition twice and you would be a fool to bet against him completing the hat trick. If he did, he would become the joint-second most successful manager in the competition behind Unai Emery. At odds of 6/1 to win outright, doubts remain over Roma’s ability to perform consistently, however, they do have some special memories in the competition.
🔙 #FeyenoordRoma, 2014-15@GervinhOfficial 🙌#ASRoma #UEL pic.twitter.com/nzDAgLKCu7
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) April 11, 2023
Roma has remained in the race for the Champions League league spots domestically but with Inter, AC Milan, and city rivals Lazio challenging them, it will be tight. Winning the Europa League may turn out to be their best option for qualification. The final takes place just four days before the last day of the season so the final week of their season promises to be an important one.
For the neutral, a Manchester United against Juventus semi-final offers up a salivating prospect. The winner could meet Roma and their enigmatic coach in what would be a box office final. Sporting Lisbon and Bayer Leverkusen offer exciting alternative winners who may still cause a shock but it remains unlikely. Regardless of who is there, the final in Budapest promises to be a showcase event.