The 2025 UEFA Europa League is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory. Packed with thrilling upsets, groundbreaking tactical innovations, and dazzling individual performances, this year’s competition proves that European football is far from a foregone conclusion.
For years, the Europa League has been a stage where passionate underdogs have risen to challenge and sometimes topple European giants. But 2025 is different. The gap between high-profile clubs and smaller outfits is shrinking more than ever, and this year’s tournament is peppered with surprises. But what’s causing these unexpected results? How are "smaller" clubs managing to step up their game? And can one of these unlikely teams go all the way?
Here’s an in-depth look at the underdogs making headlines in the UEFA Europa League 2025, the tactics driving their success, and the star players rewriting football narratives.
Highlighting the Underdogs
While some clubs like Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen are regular names in later stages of the Europa League, this season has highlighted the rise of unexpected challengers. Let's shine a light on a few of the standout underdog stories that have captured fans' imaginations.
Göztepe S.K. (Turkey)
The Turkish Süper Lig side Göztepe has impressed with their gutsy performances against clubs far larger than themselves. Beating Serie A's Fiorentina in the group stages and eliminating PSV Eindhoven in the knockouts, they’ve showcased defensive discipline and counter-attacking flair. With a 38% possession average in their last three matches, they’ve turned the art of soaking up pressure into their winning formula.
Wisła Kraków (Poland)
Wisła Kraków entered the competition as relative minnows, yet they’ve become an unstoppable force. Their emotional victory over Olympiacos, which ended in a penalty shootout, cemented their status as a team with nerves of steel. With midfielder Krzysztof Laskowski orchestrating play in the middle of the park, they’ve managed to punch far above their weight.
Hibernian FC (Scotland)
Hibernian has positioned themselves as Scotland's pride this year, navigating through a challenging group that included AS Roma. Their victory against the Italian powerhouse, thanks to two late goals from teenage forward Callum McKinnon, has ensured everyone knows their name.
Tactical Trends: How Smaller Clubs Outsmart Bigger Teams
Tactics have been the great equalizer this season. Managers of smaller clubs have adopted bold and innovative strategies to level the playing field against wealthier opponents.
Pressing Games Taken to the Next Level
One standout tactical trend has been intense pressing from underdog teams. While this isn’t new in football, clubs like Wisła Kraków and Göztepe have been especially relentless with their high-energy approach, forcing errors even from seasoned defenders. Against PSV Eindhoven, Göztepe’s pressing generated three turnovers high up the pitch, directly leading to two of their goals.
Compact Defending Meets Precision Counters
Playing compactly and transitioning rapidly into counter-attacks has been the backbone for many smaller sides’ success. Hibernian’s deep defensive blocks frustrated several attacking-heavy teams, including AS Roma. They waited patiently for key moments before springing into lightning-fast counterattacks.
Set-Piece Excellence
Underdogs often use set pieces as a weapon against bigger teams, and the 2025 Europa League is no exception. Göztepe’s game-winning goal against Fiorentina came from a brilliantly rehearsed corner kick routine, highlighting the emphasis smaller clubs place on maximizing these opportunities.
Star Performers Driving the Cinderella Runs
Behind every strong underdog run is a group of players exceeding expectations. Here are a few names who’ve stolen the limelight in this year’s Europa League.
Krzysztof Laskowski (Wisła Kraków)
The Polish midfield maestro has been instrumental for Wisła Kraków, pulling the strings in midfield with an average pass completion rate of 89% and two long-range goals to his name. Laskowski has proven to be the creative heartbeat of the Kraków side.
Callum McKinnon (Hibernian FC)
The 19-year-old Hibernian forward is quickly becoming a household name. With 4 goals in the tournament so far, including a brace against AS Roma, McKinnon has shown maturity well beyond his years. His hunger and determination exemplify the underdog spirit.
Ali Yılmaz (Göztepe S.K.)
Yılmaz, Göztepe’s star goalkeeper, has stood out with his exceptional shot-stopping ability. His man-of-the-match performance against PSV Eindhoven included 8 critical saves, single-handedly keeping his team in the game.
A Nod to History: Memorable Underdog Stories
This year’s underdog stories echo some of the most unforgettable moments in Europa League history. Take Fulham’s remarkable run to the 2010 final or Eintracht Frankfurt’s victory in 2022, defying pre-tournament predictions. These stories remind fans that nothing is impossible in football, and this theme is stronger than ever in 2025.
Who Could Be the Ultimate Dark Horse Winner?
Predicting a winner in the Europa League has never been more challenging, but here are a few teams that might take it all the way this year.
Göztepe S.K.
Their incredible resilience and tactical discipline make them serious contenders. If their goalkeeper Yılmaz continues his current form, they’ve got a real shot at glory.
RC Lens
Though not traditionally an underdog, RC Lens has been a surprise package this year. The French outfit’s strong midfield trio and solid defense have given them an edge throughout the tournament.
Union Berlin
With a mix of Bundesliga experience and fearless ambition, this side could capitalize on their powerful attacking style to surprise even the toughest of opponents.
The Psychological Shift in European Football
The rise of the underdog in this year’s Europa League says a lot about the changing landscape of European football. Thanks to improved analytics, access to innovative training methods, and smarter recruitment strategies, smaller clubs are leveling the field against wealthier giants.
Fans, too, are rallying behind these Cinderella stories. Nothing captures the beauty of football quite like an underdog defying expectations and rising to the occasion.
The 2025 Europa League demonstrates that, in the end, results come down to skill, strategy, and the sheer will to fight for every ball. All eyes will now turn to the latter stages of the competition to see if one of these resilient clubs can create football history.
Stay tuned for more updates on the UEFA Europa League 2025 as this thrilling season unfolds.
