The Europa League quarter-final and semi-final draw took place on Friday afternoon which now means both West Ham and Liverpool know their pathway to the final in Dublin in May. Both teams put in dominant displays to book their places in the quarter-finals but they have both been handed tougher ties this time around, with the Hammers set to face one of the best teams in Europe.
Europa League draw: Quarter-finals and semi-finals
Crucially, West Ham and Liverpool avoided each other in both draws which means an all-English final at the Aviva Stadium in May is now on the cards. The full draw is as follows:
Quarter-final
- Liverpool vs Atalanta
- Benfica vs Marseille
- AC Milan vs Roma
- Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham
Semi-final
- Benfica/Marseille vs Liverpool/Atalanta
- AC Milan/Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen/West Ham
Europa League draw: English fans react
West Ham fans
Bayer Leverkusen were the team that both Liverpool and West Ham wanted to avoid so it was a blow when they were pulled out to face the Hammers in the quarter-finals. The reaction online has been mixed from West Ham supporters, with some up for the challenge and others already resigned to defeat.
One West Ham posted on X: “El tacticó. David Moyes vs Xabi Alonso. Let's do this. A match up for the ages.” Another fan suggested that Leverkusen's unbeaten record is now under threat. They said, “Xabi's unbeaten run is about to be ended by a Michail Antonio bulldozer run + toe punt, you watch.”
One of the more pessimistic West Ham supporters said: “Out we go, we’re nowhere near good enough to beat Bayer Leverkusen, did you see Mark Noble's face when we drew them?”. A second added, “This is the first time in three years that I haven’t been confident about a European game.”
Liverpool fans
Liverpool fans were delighted with their draw, with some Reds now booking flights for the final in Dublin. Not only have Liverpool been drawn against a team currently in 6th place in Serie A, but they have also avoided AC Milan, Roma and Bayer Leverkusen until the final.
One Liverpool fan took to X to say “Atalanta in the Quarters and either Benfica or Marseille if we get to the Semis. Best possible draw.” Another ecstatic Red said, “Should definitely respect them and not go into it thinking we’re going to steamroll them. But I’m confident we get the job done.”
Liverpool fans are also happy about the prospect of facing Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso in the final. One fan said, “The script writers have done their job. If Liverpool vs Leverkusen is to happen, it can only happen in the final.”