Is the Europa League group stage decided on goal difference or head-to-head?

THE Europa League group stage continues with all eyes on the Thursday-night matches.

English sides Arsenal and Manchester United are participating in this year’s tournament which promises to be competitive.

EPA

Arsenal celebrating after scoring against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League[/caption]

The likes of AS Roma, Lazio, Real Betis, PSV and Monaco are also searching for glory in the European tournament.

But what happens if teams finish on the same number of points in the group? We’ve got all the answers for you.

How are teams that finish level on points sorted in the Europa League?

The format differs to what Arsenal and Manchester United are used to in the Premier League, where goal difference is used to separate sides which are level on points.

Teams that finish level on points in the Europa League group stage are sorted by their head-to-head record, with the following criteria.

1. Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
2. Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
3. Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
4. Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
5. Goal difference in all group matches;
6. Goals scored in all group matches;
7. Away goals scored in all group matches;
8. Wins in all group matches;
9. Away wins in all group matches;
10. Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
11. UEFA club coefficient.

The same format is followed in all UEFA competitions, including the Champions League and Conference League.