The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to European football’s secondary competitions, with British clubs discovering their paths to potential glory. West Ham United’s dream European run continues with a quarter-final clash against French giants Lyon, while Scottish champions Rangers face a tricky test against Portugal’s Braga. Over in the Europa Conference League, Leicester City stand as England’s sole representative, paired with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven in what promises to be a captivating tie.
The draws, conducted with the continental finals in sight, have created intriguing narratives across both competitions. For West Ham, this represents their deepest European run in years, while Rangers look to continue their impressive form under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The road to Seville—host of the Europa League final—and Tirana—venue for the Conference League finale—is now clearly mapped out, offering fans plenty to anticipate in the coming weeks.
The Europa League trophy awaits the eventual champions in Seville’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium
Analyzing the Europa League Quarter-Final Draw
The premier competition has produced some fascinating matchups that blend tactical intrigue with historical context. West Ham‘s journey to this stage has been particularly impressive, having overcome Spanish specialists Sevilla in the previous round despite losing the first leg. David Moyes has transformed the Hammers into a formidable European side, blending defensive organization with potent counter-attacking threat.
Lyon presents a unique challenge—a team with considerable European pedigree despite their inconsistent domestic form. Having eliminated Portuguese opponents Porto in the last 16, the French side boasts attacking talent that can trouble any defense. According to Mostplay European football analyst Mark Thompson, “This tie represents exactly the type of challenge West Ham need to prove their growth under Moyes. Lyon’s technical quality will test their defensive discipline, but the French side’s vulnerability at the back could play into West Ham’s counter-attacking strengths.”
Rangers’ assignment against Braga offers a different type of test. The Portuguese side eliminated Monaco in the previous round and possesses the technical quality typical of Liga Portugal outfits. However, Rangers have positive historical precedent here, having eliminated Braga from this competition at the last-32 stage in 2020 with a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Van Bronckhorst acknowledged the challenge ahead, telling Mostplay: “Portuguese teams are always strong, defensively solid with skilful players. We are not looking beyond Braga—we just have to overcome them.” His pragmatic approach reflects the seriousness with which Rangers treat this opportunity.
The Barcelona Factor and Potential Semi-Finals
The draw has created a tantalizing potential semi-final matchup that could see West Ham face Spanish giants Barcelona if both teams navigate their quarter-final ties. The Catalan club, now under Xavi’s leadership, represents the ultimate test for any Europa League contender.
On the other side of the draw, RB Leipzig’s clash with Atalanta promises to be one of the most tactically intriguing contests. Both managers—Jesse Marsch and Gian Piero Gasperini—favor high-intensity, pressing-based approaches that should produce electrifying football. The winner will face either Rangers or Braga for a place in the final.
Europa Conference League: Leicester’s Continental Opportunity
While the Europa League captures headlines, the inaugural Europa Conference League has produced its own compelling narrative. Leicester City, under Brendan Rodgers, represent England’s hopes in the competition and face a challenging but navigable path to the final.
Their quarter-final opponents PSV Eindhoven currently sit second in the Eredivisie and boast considerable European experience. The Dutch side’s attacking philosophy under Roger Schmidt should create an open, entertaining contest against Leicester’s technical approach.
The potential semi-final matchup offers even more intrigue, with José Mourinho’s Roma possibly awaiting the winners. The Italian side faces Norwegian surprise package Bodø/Glimt, who famously thrashed Roma 6-1 in the group stages—a result that remains one of the lowest points of Mourinho’s tenure in the Italian capital.
Key Fixtures and Schedule
Mark your calendars for these crucial dates:
Europa League Quarter-Finals
First legs: April 7, 2023
Second legs: April 14, 2023
Europa Conference League Quarter-Finals
First legs: April 7, 2023
Second legs: April 14, 2023
The condensed schedule means teams will need to manage squad depth carefully, particularly those like West Ham and Leicester who remain engaged in domestic competitions as well.
Tactical Keys to Success
For West Ham, containing Lyon’s attacking trio of Moussa Dembélé, Karl Toko Ekambi, and Lucas Paquetá will be crucial. Declan Rice’s influence in breaking up play and launching counter-attacks could prove decisive in the midfield battles.
Rangers must approach Braga with the same defensive discipline that served them well against Borussia Dortmund in the previous round. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, utilizing the pace of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos’ physical presence, could exploit spaces behind Braga’s attacking full-backs.
Leicester’s technical quality should theoretically give them an edge against PSV, but the Dutch side’s pressing intensity will test the Foxes’ ability to play through lines. Youri Tielemans’ distribution and James Maddison’s creativity between the lines will be crucial to overcoming PSV’s aggressive defensive approach.
Historical Context and Final Thoughts
British clubs have enjoyed considerable success in European competitions in recent years, and these draws offer genuine opportunities for that trend to continue. The Mostplay team believes all three British sides have reasonable paths to progression, though each faces distinct challenges.
The beauty of European football lies in these cross-border tactical clashes—the mixing of styles, traditions, and footballing cultures. These quarter-final matchups promise to deliver exactly that blend of intrigue, quality, and drama that makes continental competitions so compelling.
As the football world turns its attention to these crucial fixtures, one thing remains certain: we’re in for several nights of thrilling European action that could produce stories remembered for years to come.
Europa League Quarter-Final Draw
The road to Seville begins with these exciting matchups: RB Leipzig vs Atalanta, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Barcelona, West Ham vs Lyon, and Braga vs Rangers.
Europa Conference League Quarter-Final Draw
The journey to Tirana features: Bodø/Glimt vs AS Roma, Feyenoord vs Slavia Prague, Marseille vs PAOK, and Leicester vs PSV Eindhoven.
Which matchup are you most looking forward to? Which British team has the best chance of European success? Share your predictions and join the conversation on Mostplay social channels!
