Manchester United and Tottenham take on Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively in their Europa League semi-finals on Thursday evening with a major rule-change set to play a major part in the game
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face arguably the biggest games of their season on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim’s side take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals, while the North London side host Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the last four.
Given the wretched nature of their league seasons so far, it goes without saying that both sides will be aiming to build a considerable advantage ahead of next week’s second legs. But there is one thing that both United and Spurs cannot take advantage of – the away goals rule.
Prior to 2021, the away goals rule was implemented by UEFA into all European competitions. Effectively, it would see any side who scored more away goals over a two-legged tie advance if they were level.
But it was scrapped ahead of the 2021/22 season, meaning it will not be in force for either United or Spurs in their semi-finals. It means that if their ties are level, they will go to extra-time or penalties.
Announcing the decision, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965.
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“However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.
“The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.
“There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored. It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.
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“Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”
Should Spurs and United both progress, then they will meet each other in the Europa League final, which is set to take place in Bilbao later this month.
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