Europa League Quarter-Finals – 10 stats to know | OneFootball

The UEFA Europa League quarter-finals fetch high-stakes action as two top English clubs clash for a place in the final four.

With so much on the line, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are vying for continental glory.

However, as the competition heats up, history, form and standout performers form part of a complex equation.

From surprise package Bodo/Glimt to fallen French giants Lyon, the quarter-finals bring an exciting mix of underdog grit and heavyweight ambition.

These 10 key stats offer a sharp look at what could shape the last-eight battles.

Bodo/Glimt have duly deserved their maiden quarter-final appearance in a major European competition.

The Norwegians have bagged a competition-high 24 goals en route to this stage, including 10 in the knockout stages against Twente and Olympiacos.

Looking to stop them in their tracks will be Serie A giants Lazio, whose defense conceded a joint-low seven goals this term.

#2 Golden Boot race

With Bodo/Glimt topping the scoring charts, it’s hardly surprising that Kasper Hogh is the Europa League’s joint-best goalscorer this season with seven goals.

Bodo’s 4-2 aggregate win against Olympiacos in the last knockout round means Ayoub El Kaabi can no longer threaten Hogh’s pursuit of the Golden Boot award.

Yet, Lyon’s Malick Fofana could beat the Danish forward to the punch, having netted six goals heading into the quarter-finals.

#3 Defensive wall

Marco Baroni’s side capitulated only five times in eight league-phase outings, conceding one goal or fewer on each occasion en route to locking down a top-table finish.

However, Viktoria Plzen breached Lazio’s backline in both last-16 legs, perhaps showing Bodo/Glimt a way to upset the apple cart in this tie and make more club history.

Lazio’s defensive resilience doesn’t make them an idle attacking threat.

On the contrary, they’ve found a new lethal weapon in the final third through Danish winger Gustav Isaksen via Il Messaggero.

#4 Assist specialist

Widely considered among Europe’s brightest prospects, Ryan Cherki has had a breakout season at the Groupama Stadium.

The Frenchman’s playmaking skills have come to light in the Europa League, where he boasts seven assists, at least three more than any other player still competing in the tournament.

#5 Golden Glove race

Despite conceding 17 goals, Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin has been brilliant between the sticks.

His stunning reflexes and anticipation have been off the charts as he tallied a jaw-dropping 50 saves, at least nine more than any other stopper.

#6 Possession Kings

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Man Utd has not gone according to plan.

Despite immense domestic struggles, the Red Devils could salvage their worst league campaign in the Premier League era by lifting their second Europa League title.

Much credit for United’s decent European run goes to their ability to hold onto the ball under pressure and control the tempo, averaging a competition-high 57.5% possession.

#7 Sharp passers

Ange Postecoglou is desperate to make good on his pre-season promise and arrest Tottenham’s 17-year title drought.

Known for his sophisticated system and intricate build-up play, Postecoglou has made Spurs fun to watch, at least for neutrals.

Their 86.2% passing accuracy stands out in this season’s Europa League, though there’s ample room for improvement in every other aspect.

Spurs must shore up their defensive woes to neutralise Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitike, who looks destined for a high-profile transfer this summer.

#8 Disciplinary issues

Lazio may be the tournament’s sturdiest defensive unit, but their zealous tackles have contributed to the Europa League’s second-joint highest three red cards.

The Italians lead the way in this notorious category among the teams left in the competition, with Tottenham in second with two.

Only Athletic Bilbao (23) have received more yellow cards than Lazio’s 22 among the quarter-finalists, testifying to the Roman club’s aggressive, no-nonsense defensive style.

#9 Man Utd’s upper hand

It’s been 17 years since Lyon and Man Utd last traded tackles on the European stage.

However, history firmly backs the Red Devils for success, given they’ve avoided defeat in all four previous meetings (W2, D2).

For context, Les Gones have only played Barcelona (eight times) more often without managing a single win in European competition.

#10 Home fortress

As outlined by Postecoglou in his pre-match interview with BBC, Spurs need a win against Frankfurt to maintain their dream of adding to their dusty trophy cabinet alive.

Playing the first leg in London should be of help, considering Tottenham haven’t lost a European fixture on home turf since the start of the 2020/21 campaign (W15, D3).