Jose Mourinho could have to face three of his former clubs to reach the Europa League final after Thursday’s draw with Fenerbahce.
What happened?
Fenerbahce have been selected to play Rangers in the last-16, the first of a few possible trips to the U.K. for Mourinho. The full Europa League route has been laid out, so every team can see their way to the final in Bilbao in May.
Explanation
If Fenerbahce reach the quarter-finals, Mourinho could face the first of three former clubs on his way to winning the trophy. Roma play Athletic Bilbao next and if both teams progress they will face a Turkish side. If Mourinho’s men win that, a clash with Manchester United, whom he managed between 2016-18, could follow. United play Real Sociedad in the last-16 and either FCSB or Lyon will be next. If Fenerbahce progress, a final against Tottenham could be their prize. That would mean Mourinho will face his former team for the third time in a row.
Do you know?
Mourinho has previously won the Europa League as a manager, leading Man United to the trophy in the 2016-17 campaign when they beat Ajax 2-0 in the final. He also won the Conference League with Roma in 2022 and is the only manager to have captured all three major European club trophies.
What next for Fenerbahçe?
For now, Mourinho’s focus will be on beating Rangers in the last 16, the Scottish side having finished the better of the two in the league stage. If victory is achieved in that match, the ultimate revenge round will begin.
